NBA sent a memo late Friday to teams reinforcing its rule that players and coaches stand

The NBA sent a memo late Friday to teams reinforcing its rule that players and coaches stand for the national anthem, and suggesting other ways in which they might address the recent protest movement sweeping across the NFL and other sports.

The league also does not want teams independently disciplining players, sources say, and has encouraged open dialogue within teams.

A letter sent Tuesday by the NBA to all teams outlined six ongoing community initiatives while encouraging leadership from each team to provide any further ideas on how the NBA can be a presence in communities and assist with issues in society.

In the memo, Tatum suggests teams might address the current political climate by having players and coaches give a joint pregame address at their first home games.

It also suggests other ways in which teams can “continue to develop impactful community programs,” including mentorship programs, community gatherings, using basketball itself to “build bridges” between segments of a community and inviting community leaders to speak to teams.

The league in the past week has sent teams at least two other memos outlining ways other than anthem protests in which teams can engage their communities and address current events.