Report: Jerry Jones warned players about ‘negative’ reaction to anthem protests

Jerry Jones has made his stance on national anthem protests perfectly clear, and the Dallas Cowboys owner reportedly met with players this week to try to explain some of the comments he has made about the demonstrations.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Jones held a meeting with players on Wednesday and told them he wants them to stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He also warned them about the “negative” impact the protests can have on the game.

“Among the things he told them — ‘I want you to stand for the flag and be respectful for the flag, but be cognizant that the fans have had a negative reaction to those who have sat during the national anthem. That negative viewpoint does affect the game. It affects everyone from players to owners to teams,'” Rapoport was told by three sources who attended the meeting. “Jerry Jones wanted players to hear directly from him his explanation for why he wanted them to stand.”

Two weeks ago, Jones joined his players by linking arms and kneeling on the field before the national anthem. That act came on a week where anthem protests were more widespread than ever across the NFL as a direct response to Donald Trump encouraging team owners to fire any “son of a b—” who kneels.

Just days later, Jones said any player who protested during the anthem would be benched. One player said that stance was a complete change from what Jones had told the team when he kneeled with them.

Jones is obviously thinking about business, and the same is true of many of his fellow owners. Because of that, Rapoport reports that owners are hoping to come together with players and agree to end the anthem demonstrations in exchange for finding ways to let players express themselves more.