DirecTV is offering refunds for NFL Sunday Ticket to fans offended by national anthem protests

DirecTV subscribers who want to drop the NFL Sunday Ticket because of protests during the national anthem before games are being offered refunds, according to multiple media sources.

Typically customers are not allowed to downgrade or cancel their Sunday Ticket packages once the NFL’s regular season starts, but the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg spoke to DirecTV service representatives who indicated refunds will be given to people who cite the protests as their reason for wanting to end the service.

The Wall Street Journal also spoke with some DirecTV subscribers who indicated the same.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d get a refund,” subscriber Marc Hoffman said. “I know their guidelines. I just wanted to make a point.”

The Journal noted that DirecTV had varying responses regarding the refunds. Some service representatives said no refunds would be given, while one said only customers with certain packages would get the refund. Still another said the refund would be prorated for the remainder of the season.

DirecTV parent AT&T and the NFL declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal on the matter.

The Sunday Ticket package can cost close to $300.

The kneeling protests began last year when then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem to protest social injustice. Several other players since have followed the practice.

Last week, President Trump called for NFL owners to fire all players who protest in such a manner, leading to widespread demonstrations by players during the most recent games.

charles.schilken@latimes.com

Twitter: @chewkiii