Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones came out strong against the protests for black lives when he announced that any Cowboys player who kneels during the national anthem will be benched.
Some Cowboys players were shocked to hear that their owner, who not only donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s campaign but also considers the president a personal friend, and who took a knee with them that one Sunday before the national anthem was played, is still an old bigot.
Jones has told his players that they can do anything they wish before the anthem plays, but once the first notes starts to bend around the stadium, “those negras better be on their feet with their negra hands over their ungrateful hearts!” they should be standing. Jones noted during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday: “If there’s anything that is disrespectful to the flag, then we will not play. Understand? We will not ... if we are disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period,” ESPN reports.
Before his meeting with Cowboys players and coaches Wednesday, the first meeting since Jones’ controversial stance, players had been told to bring their concerns to the general manager and owner.
According to ESPN, in the meeting, Jones explained that in taking his position on the protests, he was playing “the bad guy.” He also reportedly talked about business matters like ratings and sponsors.
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So the saga of the protesting players continues, and yes, it’s OK to watch the opening of NFL games to see if players protest. But the television must be turned off immediately afterward.
Read more at ESPN.
