NFL executives and owners met with players on Tuesday to discuss the issues surrounding national anthem protests, and most of the reports we have heard about the dialogue were positive. However, Jerry Jones has apparently not softened his stance on the subject.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Jones was “quite vocal” in expressing his opposition to anthem protests during the meeting. In fact, he was the only owner who went against a lot of the things the players were saying about the demonstrations.
Jones was the only owner to rail against the handful of players who are still regularly kneeling, standing or staying in the locker room during the playing of the anthem, the sources said, pronouncing his disagreement with how the NFL is policing the matter before all 32 teams. On Tuesday, when a select group of owners and league officials met with players and NFLPA leadership, there were no dissenting voices or debate about how the ongoing protests were being handled. But that changed on the second day of the meetings, with Jones expressing his feelings several times in what sources describe as a “firm and forceful” manner, but restrained and not over the top.
More specifically, Jones expressed a desire to have the NFL’s game-day manual changed to outline potential punishments for players who do not stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” There were reportedly no other owners who supported his stance.
Most of what we have heard about the meeting indicates the discussions were positive, so it doesn’t sound like Jones created any kind of divide or created a tense environment. Given the public stance he has taken against anthem protests, it is no surprise Jones was the lone voice of opposition.
