Posted on 09/25/2017 12:57:17 PM PDT by Red Badger
PHOENIX (105.3 THE FAN) – There is no easy answer. But In the wake of President Donald Trump calling for the firing of NFL players who opt for peaceful protest during the National Anthem, the Dallas Cowboys are at work crafting a singular answer.
“Our statement,’’ one team leader told me on the eve of tonight’s nationally-televised Cowboys-at-Cardinals game, “will be a statement of unity.’’
I’ve spoken to seven Cowboys leaders on the subject in the last 48 hours and come away with a handful of conclusions that the Cowboys – from owner Jerry Jones and his family to the players in the locker room – find important.
*There are certainly those in the organization offended by Trump saying, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b— off the field right now?’ Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’’
Those offended include some individuals who may have supported, and still support, the president.
*There are certainly those who have sided with Colin Kaepernick from the start, in his efforts meant to bring attention to institutionalized mistreatment of people of color.
*At the same time, the Cowboys Leadership Council, made up of about 14 players, has long taken the position that “unity’’ and “positivity’’ are the themes that bond the football team … and themes that can bond beyond.
*The Leadership Council has engaged with the Jones family and its members, and now the rest of the locker room, are aware of Jerry’s views here, views he stated clearly on Aug. 22 on 105.3 The Fan with “Shan & RJ’’:
“I just feel so strongly that the act of recognizing the flag is a salute to our country and all of the people that have sacrificed so that we can have the liberties we have,” Jones said. “I feel very strongly that everyone should save that moment for the recognition of the flag in a positive way, so I like the way the Cowboys do it.”
*That in no way should be construed as Jones having “ordered’’ his players to stand, or having issued an “or-else’’ edict. (Worth noting: I don’t dismiss the idea of a player interpreting the combined wishes of Jones and the Leadership Council as an “or-else edict,’’ even though that’s not their intent.) Jones has clearly urged his players to use this moment to remain “respectful’’ … and it’s been made clear to me that his players are comfortable with that as long as “unity’’ is still expressed.
*That doesn’t mean Dallas feels the need to be in lock-step with the rest of the league. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFLPA and the 28 teams that played Sunday largely seemed on the same page regarding their employees/citizens’ right to peaceful protest. Goodell’s keyword-characterization of Trump’s attack on the NFL: “Divisive.” The Cowboys’ position, as is their right, will be their own — their collective own.
*I’m told the players have discussed the locking of arms during the Anthem.
*Numerous people involved tell me that the Joneses’ urging for a “respectful’’ Anthem moment comes with an offer: At any other time, at any other place, management is available to support a player’s cause. This falls in line with Jerry Jones’ well-chronicled “grandfatherly’’ backing of his players on a personal level.
*“We have an approach that we believe in,” coach Jason Garrett said the other day, a statement that some interpreted to be a non-statement but that in fact might be quite revealing as to the team’s plans – because the “approach’’ is to remain bonded, no matter what.
*Tonight, though it’s not the team’s plan, it’s possible a Cowboys player will do the same. If that happens, he will be within his rights, as will any player or person who chooses to keep his views out of the spotlight.
*The Cowboys players obviously know the general view espoused by Jones, who (contrary to anyone’s inflammatory claim) has not issued a directive but has voiced a perspective – which, of course, is within his right. He has, in fact, (contrary to anyone’s inflammatory claim) stated his perspective in the same thoughtful manner that players are stating theirs.
The owner has that right.
The players have that right.
Tonight, their wish is to put those rights on display … together.
Sounds like Coach Garret is hinting that some may kneel or not be respectful................
Cowboys? NFL? What’s that?
People can do what they freaking want, but the team should fire the SOB’s who do not show respect for our flag and the country that it represents that has given these players opportunity like nowhere else on earth.
Don’t care, I won’t be watching.
Wimps.
Or will they become America's embarrassment?
Cowboys or Commies?
The left tries to turn these into black and white issues in a way that gives them an advantage. Trump is turning it around on them and saying let’s turn it into a black and white issue but he is doing it in a way which does not give them an advantage but rather a disadvantage. That is why this is so enjoyable because we have watched our entire lives how the left turns issues into black and white in a way that totally screws us over
quote-Cowboys? NFL? What’s that?
Game is on ESPN..
What’s that?
Cowboys? NFL? What’s that?
A football team that knows they better do what the boss says and will be out there tonight supporting America.
I will no longer waste any time watching foosball.
Apparently, the stories earlier today that said Jerry Jones was threatening to fire anyone who didn’t follow NFL policy in conducting themselves during the playing of the National Anthem were fake news.
“Don’t care, I won’t be watching.”
+1
That entire article is the definition of “mealy-mouthed.”
Disrespecting our flag and anthem is corrosive to our nation.
For the football league that purports to be for OUR nation, that’s unacceptable.
The league should have nipped this in the bud last year.
They have not and it is spreading.
President Trump was right to call them out.
The New England Pussyhats can be joined by the Dallas Cowgirls
All members of the nfl needs to apologize to the people of this country.
Cowboys are people who herd cattle.
This is not a player freedom of speech issue. The players are uniformed representatives of the company. They do not have the right to say or do anything they want while in uniform on the field. If they want to demonstrate, they should take off the uniform and leave the stadium. Otherwise, they should be sanctioned or fired. However, I doubt any team will have the guts to do that.
They can do what they want. Fine by me.
I can do what I want, and it won’t be fine by them.
I won’t in any way support the NFL from here on out, and I am looking for sponsors and corporate partners that I can make sure never see a dime of my money again.
NOT WATCHING.
Do not care.
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