While Roger Goodell has been pussyfooting his way around the controversy of National Anthem protests, some NFL owners are reportedly putting their foot down.
Two reports surfaced yesterday that indicate a pair of owners in the league are beginning to crack down on the unruly protesters, whose disrespect for the nation, the Anthem, and veterans has led to sharp declines in NFL viewership.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross insisted to the Daily News that “All of our players will be standing,” while two player agents have claimed the Houston Texans will not seek players in free agency who took part in kneeling during the Anthem.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross: Dolphins players won’t kneel for anthem next year https://t.co/6t9Lo5ZN7N
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 6, 2018
“Initially, I totally supported the players in what they were doing,” said Ross. “It’s America and people should be able to really speak about their choices.”
Then, Ross believes, the message changed when President Trump came out against the kneelers.
“I like Donald (Trump). I don’t support everything that he says,” Ross explained. “Overall, I think he was trying to make a point, and his message became what kneeling was all about. From that standpoint, that is the way the public is interpreting it.”
It was, the Dolphins owner said, a protest against “support of our country or the military” and his players won’t be taking part any longer.
Meanwhile, a pair of NFL agents reported the Texans would not pursue any free agents who took part in kneeling for the flag.
“I spoke with 2 NFL agents this week who said word is the #Texans aren’t interested in any players who participated in pregame kneel-downs in protest of police brutality.” @JeromeSolomon in the @HoustonChron
Thinking out loud.. Which players that participated would fill needs?
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) March 5, 2018
You may recall that last season, Texans owner Bob McNair got into some hot water after he told other NFL owners regarding the protests that they “can’t have the inmates running the prison.”
Naturally, his metaphor led to cries of racism.
Ross, on the other hand, made his comments about players standing while accepting a ROBIE award for being a “longtime champion of equal opportunity.”
That prestigious honor is handed out by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, of which he is on the board of directors.
Do you think the NFL will have to stop these protests in order to slow down the exodus of viewers this season? Tell us what you think below!
