After Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones suggested that players who don’t stand for the national anthem won’t play, some players reportedly want to speak to him.
On Sunday, after a loss to the Green Bay Packers, Jones told the media, “If there’s anything that is disrespectful to the flag, then we will not play,” ESPN reported. “Understand? We will not … if we are disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period.”
“We made our expression. I’m very supportive of the team, but under no circumstances will the Dallas Cowboys—I don’t care what happens—under no circumstances will we as an organization, coaches, players, not support and stand and recognize and honor the flag. Period.”
Former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick started taking a knee during the anthem last season, saying he did it to protest “police brutality” and “racial injustice.” Kaepernick, who is out of work, made headlines for the protest, but has not been hired by any team since becoming a free agent.
The protest movement was reignited when President Trump made statements and tweets that players who don’t stand should be fired.