Jerry Jones has openly stated that he does not agree with players taking a knee during the national anthem, so it is no surprise that we have yet to see any Dallas Cowboys players take part in the protests. And while Jones has not ordered anyone on his team to avoid anthem protests, his opinion on the subject has been made quite clear.
Robert Littal of Black Sports Online reports that Cowboys players have been advised that the team would prefer if they stand and show unity rather than protest during the national anthem. Despite that, several players are considering going against Jones’ wishes.
Several Cowboys want to break ranks or so I have been told. More likely they lock arms cause that is what Jerry will allow them to do https://t.co/Sb829M7qNp
— Robert Littal (@BSO) September 25, 2017
Like i said they are considering breaking ranks. We will see. They know what people are saying about them & it's bothering some https://t.co/L8Q31BSDAl
— Robert Littal (@BSO) September 25, 2017
NFL reporters Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer were told that Jones has not directly addressed the issue with the players.
My understanding is Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has addressed players on anthem. There were players-only meetings on Saturday and Sunday.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 25, 2017
But as @RapSheet said, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not addressed the issue of anthem protests with the players as a group as of yet.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 25, 2017
On Sunday, Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick’s girlfriend Draya Michele hinted that Dallas players feel they are not “allowed” to kneel during the anthem.
“Some people aren’t ‘allowed’ to kneel,” she wrote on Snapchat. “That’s pretty sh—y.”
In the wake of Donald Trump encouraging NFL owners to fire players who won’t stand for the national anthem, Jones reiterated on Sunday that he does not agree with anthem protests. If you remember, Dez Bryant sent some tweets about anthem protests last month and made it seem as though he and his teammates have been discouraged from taking part in them.
