Sure it was disrespectful when she did that, but Rosanne wasn't a full time employee of the NFL unlike these athletes......if ABC can fire Rosanne for her comments as they are her boss, then the NFL can put in any rule it wants for its workers/athletes.
Protest on your own time, not the companies time.
A perfect example of what I am talking about. Sure thing. So if the NFL players went out and urinated on the flag after the game and it was covered by the press, the first thing people would think was "oh, that's OK because it's on their time". Somehow, I'm thinking that wouldn't be the response. But hey, as long as it's for the team!