Jerry Jones issued some of the strongest comments yet from an NFL owner about protests during the national anthem.
After watching his Dallas Cowboys lose to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jones said that players who disrespect the flag won’t be allowed to play.
Jerry Jones just said any Cowboys player who "disrespects the flag" won't be allowed to play.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) October 9, 2017
Jones didn’t elaborate on everything that could constitute disrespect to the flag, but he did say that kneeling during the anthem would qualify.
His comments came up after he was asked about players supposedly raising their fists during the anthem. Here was his extended response:
Jerry Jones asked about Cowboys players raising fists after the national anthem: pic.twitter.com/9TaQPpthmo
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 9, 2017
The national anthem controversy peaked two weeks ago after Donald Trump said at a rally in Alabama that he hoped an NFL owner would fire the “son of a b—-” who kneels during the anthem. Multiple teams condemned Trump’s comments with statements and displays of unity. Even Jones’ Cowboys kneeled before the anthem prior to their game against the Cardinals that week.
Jones was in contact with Trump prior to that “Monday Night Football” game and apparently was being pressured not to allow protests.
In the past, Jones has explained why he disagrees with protests during the national anthem. This is the first time an NFL owner has openly stated that a player would not be allowed to play for taking such actions. Unlike the NBA, the NFL does not have a rule stating that players must stand for the anthem.
