It has been tradition for years in Pro sports but in the same article he also says..."I would tell you this ... I'm the most patriotic person you're ever going to be around. As the national team coach, at times, during the national anthem, I was in tears," Arena said on Twellman's show. "Honored to represent the United States in World Cups and international matches. And I think playing the national anthem is clearly appropriate at those levels." Funny how you left that out.
I am not objecting to kneeling on Pro sports teams. That is up to the league and who pays the players. If they want to allow them to do that they take the glory or the hit depending on how it turns out. I am saying if you wear the flag on your uniform and are representing the US in competition it is appropriate to play the anthem and the players should respect it.