GREENVILLE, Miss. — Four Mississippi high school football players who took a knee during the national anthem at a September football game won’t be punished by the school district, according to the Associated Press.

Western Line School District Superintendent Larry Green initially told news outlets the players, who attend O’Bannon High School, were suspended from playing after kneeling during the anthem Sept. 30, calling the punishment “adequate for what happened.”

“Maybe they can come back before the season is over,” Green said. “We haven’t closed the door. We just want them to understand the value to respect our country and flag.”

Green revisited his original statement Friday, saying the word “punishment” was misleading and telling the AP the students would be allowed to play if the coach chooses to put them in.

O’Bannon hosted West Bolivar at home Friday night.