James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Dolphins players say meeting with NFL owners 'constructive'

DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins had an NFL-high three players in New York on Tuesday during their meeting with league owners and commissioner Roger Goodell regarding anthem protests and social issues.

According to two Miami players in the room -- safety Michael Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas -- the conversations were productive and will go a long way to getting everyone in the league on the same page.

“It was very constructive, very positive,” Michael Thomas said. “I think moving forward you’re going to see a lot of solutions and us working towards something positive in the future.”

Julius Thomas said he still plans to remain in the tunnel during the national anthem Sunday against the New York Jets. Miami has a team rule where players must stand if they are on the sideline but also have the option to remain in the tunnel. Michael Thomas didn't reveal his plans.

Future meetings are expected to take place between players and the league.

"We’re really hoping that we can work with the owner and find bigger and better ways to bring attention and to focus on some of the issues that people are facing in this country,” Julius Thomas said. “With our efforts combined a lot can be done.”

There were mixed reports on the role of free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick in this meeting. However, according to Michael Thomas, players wanted Kaepernick to be involved but something fell through leading up to the meeting. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback filed a collusion lawsuit last weekend against the NFL.

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