NFL teams all have very specific criteria when it comes to signing and drafting players, but the Houston Texans may be crossing players off their list for a reason that will not sit well with many across the league.
Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle spoke with two NFL agents who have been led to believe the Texans are not interested in any free agent players who have chosen to take part in national anthem protests. While there is not believed to be a directive in place preventing personnel people from meeting with and signing players who have protested, Texans owner Bob McNair reportedly made it known that he would prefer to avoid free agents and draft prospects who have participated in demonstrations or are likely to.
Interestingly enough, Solomon confidently says the Texans are “not a racist organization,” but he certainly paints McNair as having racist tendencies. Here’s a prime example:
Yet, the Texans’ owner has been racially tone deaf often enough that many believe race is a significant factor in how the team runs its business.
There are many who believe if McNair could field a team with all-white, all-conforming all-pro talent, he would.
If you remember, McNair is the same owner who made some very unfortunate comments about national anthem protests and equated NFL players with “inmates.” His own players later kneeled to show their displeasure with the remarks, and one star player even skipped practice over it. According to Solomon, some players never bought McNair’s ensuing apology.
Considering Colin Kaepernick went a full season without finding a job, McNair’s reported stance should not be considered all that shocking.
