The Dallas Cowboys cut Damontre Moore, one of two players who continued to raise their fists at the end of the national anthem, it was reported Wednesday.
The Cowboys released Moore to make room for kicker Mike Nugent---who is replacing injured kicker Dan Bailey.
But Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters that he believes all players should stand for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
No Cowboys player has kneeled or sat during the national anthem this season. Moore was one of two players who raised a fist.
Jason Garret, the Cowboys coach, insisted that Moore’s release was due to his performance on the field---not related to the protest.
“We had to make a roster move and we just felt like the best decision for our team was to release Damontre Moore,” Garrett told reporters, according to Pro Football Talk. When he was asked about whether the decision was related to the post-anthem gesture, Garrett only said, “No.”
He also said, “No,” after a reporter asked him if the decision was due to Moore’s involvement in an altercation at a nightclub on Thursday evening. Moore, a defensive end, wasn’t at fault, the Dallas News reported.
David Irving, who is a defensive tackle for the Cowboys, also raised his fist. Jones said that he is fine with Irving raising his fist, 247Sports reported.
