evidence: Fact check: False claim that Mike Tomlin banned kneeling during national anthem The claim: Mike Tomlin banned kneeling during the national anthem [...] Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that that Mike Tomlin banned kneeling during the national anthem. The story originated in an article published by the Dunning-Kruger Times, a self-identified satire website. Tomlin has previously expressed support for athletes who choose to kneel during the anthem.