All are free to do as they please during the colors and national anthem, just as people are equally free to judge one by their actions, freedom is a two edge sword, respectfully JOHN500AF. Private industry can not only display the colors, but play the "Battle Hymn Of The Republic" if they so desire, freedom is the ability to choose. 

One doesn't want to hear "God Bless America" at the 7th inning stretch, they can just go to the john and listen to the flushing toilets, or do whatever they choose in ignoring it.  These players were free to disrespect the colors and the anthem, their employer gave them that latitude, and the employer is being judged by others, many whom like myself turned off the NFL last year and won't return. 

Why shouldn't people be free to express their beliefs, especially in private industry? Nobody forces anyone, respect for everyone, but people are equally free to judge as well. One shoe, doesn't fit all. Jewish man wears a yarmulke expressing his faith, why not?