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 tonights nationally-televised Cowboys-at-Cardinals game, will be a statement of unity.
Ive 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, Wouldnt 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! Hes fired. Hes 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 Jerrys 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 dont dismiss the idea of a player interpreting the combined wishes of Jones and the Leadership Council as an or-else edict, even though thats not their intent.) Jones has clearly urged his players to use this moment to remain respectful and its been made clear to me that his players are comfortable with that as long as unity is still expressed.
*That doesnt 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. Goodells keyword-characterization of Trumps attack on the NFL: Divisive. The Cowboys position, as is their right, will be their own their collective own.
*Im 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 players 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 teams plans because the approach is to remain bonded, no matter what.
*Tonight, though its not the teams plan, its 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 anyones 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 anyones 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.
They are simply too cowardly to enforce it.
Every gutless wonder that kneels or stays in the locker room or does a tap dance or does anything BUT stand respectfully on the sideline with their helmet in their left hand, right hand across their heart and their mouth shut while the anthem plays is in violation of NFL policy and can be fined, suspended and lose draft picks.
The NFL is just choosing not to enforce their own policy.
The hell they will.
Time will tell, and I will let you know - and as a former US Marine I do not need someone telling me how to be a patriot.
Saints.
A restaurant near New Orleans is even boycotting them for their Anti-American crap.
What the hell is a cowboy leader? Man, these people who play children's games take themselves way too seriously.
Frankly, they’ve been an embarrassment (perhaps several times) before today. To be shown ‘in the form of UNITY’ sounds to this ear as though it’s every man free to express himself in any way he feels. Tomorrow’s conversations on local media will certainly be an earful to catch.
“I wish I watched stupid football just so I could quit!”
+1
Well Jarhead, I suggest you take your superior knowledge of patriotism and turn off the TV tonight lest some sailor accuse you of not being patriotic.
Or, god forbid, an actual civilian.
You didn’t spend 1/2 your life in the chow line just so you could provide financial support to those who piss on the graves of dead patriots, live, on nationwide TeeVee.
Are you certain there’s a policy?
I read lots of references being made to it, some even citing a page and paragraph number.
The others looked at the actual NFL rule book and said it didn’t contain any reference to the anthem at all.
Where would we find a copy of all the rules and policies, I wonder.
Sean Hannity was saying that Jerry Jones
said that he would fire anyone who didn’t stand...so now the truth is no?
>> And being wimps has got to have made it very stressing
No doubt.
>> Pressure on both players and owners has to be heavy
The fact they feel pressure to stand for the Anthem is pathetic — regardless of the CiC’s disapproval of their disregard for the Military, Flag, and Country.
Every one of them is replaceable.
Colin Kaepernick & his Muslim girlfriend’s support for Black Lives Matter initiated this kneeling protest movement. BLM is a racist terrorist organization that promotes the murder of INNOCENT police officers! Federal crime statistics do NOT support their narrative that’s been marketed by the leftist communist media!
President Trump lanced the poisonous phony racial protest boil in the NFL.
Black players can better serve the black community by taking their passion and contributing to their communities growth & prosperity! Instead of destroying the dream for the next generation of football players!
Any marketer can tell you to know your customer, and NEVER shite where you eat!
My prediction is tonight, “America’s Team” will stay “America’s Team” and will be on the sidelines with their hands over their hearts.
The Cowboys are the most valuable team in sports. If the Cowboys go off the reservation football is done.
The Worlds Top 10 Most Valuable Sports Teams: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2017/07/12/forbes-releases-list-of-the-worlds-most-valuable-sports-teams/#58e22eeb6f5f
“NEW YORK (July 12, 2017) Forbes released today its annual list of The Worlds 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams. The Dallas Cowboys, valued at $4.2 billion, remain the most valuable sports franchise in the world for the second consecutive year. “
Not questioning your patriotism and with clear knowledge that I am in no position telling a Marine how to be a patriot, you should realize that when the P.A. announcer says "let's all rise to honor America during the singing of our national anthem" and these privileged NFL players sit or kneel in protest of America (and in protest of Americans), and you indulge them by watching them play, no matter how much you honor America you are in fact placing your love of football above that sentiment ... even if only for a few hours.
Their organization has a leadership committee................
If a NFL game is played on ESPN and no one is watching; does it really count?
Seahawks...That whiny big lying bitch Michael Bennett just as bad Kapernick
Ummmm- no they don't - more lazy journalism.....
Americas team? Not my team.
Don’t know why ya posted that to me since I’m never watching a football game again until these AH’s get their azzes out of politics and stop disgracing America and our national anthem.
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