In an unprecedented move, four NFL players were ejected from their respective games for taking a knee during the National Anthem. The league, which has been navigating the tumultuous waters of players using their platform to protest social and racial injustices, now finds itself at another crossroads.

The act of kneeling during the National Anthem started in 2016 when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee to protest racial injustice in America. His peaceful demonstration ignited a firestorm of debate, with some supporting his right to protest, while others viewed the act as disrespectful to the flag and the military. Over the years, several players have joined the protest, resulting in a tug-of-war between the league, team owners, and the players.

The most recent incident saw four players from different teams take a knee as the Star-Spangled Banner played. But instead of the usual mix of cheers and boos from the crowd, this time, the players were confronted by the game’s referees, who, after a brief consultation, decided to eject the players. The move was shocking, not only to the players involved but also to many watching from the stands and at home.

The ejections were based on a seldom-invoked rule that allows referees to remove players for “unsportsmanlike conduct,” a term typically reserved for in-game behavior like fighting or excessive celebrations.