The NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement Thursday announcing the two sides will put on hold the league's new anthem policy as they continue to work together toward a resolution.

"The NFL and NFLPA, through recent discussions, have been working on a resolution to the anthem issue. In order to allow this constructive dialogue to continue, we have come to a standstill agreement on the NFLPA's grievance and on the NFL's anthem policy. No new rules relating to the anthem will be issued or enforced for the next several weeks while these confidential discussions are ongoing."

"The NFL and NFLPA reflect the great values of America, which are repeatedly demonstrated by the many players doing extraordinary work in communities across our country to promote equality, fairness and justice."

"Our shared focus will remain on finding a solution to the anthem issue through mutual, good faith commitments, outside of litigation."

Earlier this off-season NFL owners unanimously approved a policy that allows players to remain in the locker room for the anthem but requires them to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner performance if they are on the sidelines. The Players' Association filed a grievance challenging the new policy earlier this month.

The statement comes hours after it was reported the Miami Dolphins planned to impose their own punishments on players protesting during the national anthem. According to reports, Dolphins players could be suspended for up to four games for protesting during the anthem.

Protests during the national anthem, which have included players kneeling, sitting, and raising fists to raise awareness for racial and social injustice in the United States have been regular occurances in the NFL since Colin Kaepernick first started to kneel during the 2016 season.

Players have been kneeling, sitting and raising fists during the national anthem in an effort to raise awareness for racial and social injustice in America since Colin Kaepernick took a knee before a preseason game in 2016.