NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed remorse previously today.
Nearly 4 years after the day Colin Kaepernick initially knelt in protest during the nationwide anthem, and two days before a white law enforcement officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black guy, Goodell thought about the leagues preliminary action to anthem protests.
” I want we had actually listened previously, Kaep, to what you were kneeling about and what you were attempting to bring attention to,” Goodell informed former NFL player Emmanuel Acho during an episode of his “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” series.
” What our gamers are doing is being mischaracterized,” Goodell continued. “What they were trying to do is exercise their right to accentuate something that needs to get fixed. That misstatement of who they were and what they were doing was the important things that actually chomped at me.”
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On Thursday, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones was asked about Goodells declaration. Did Jones agree with Goodells evaluation that the league was wrong not to listen earlier?
” Im not going to comment on that at this point,” Jones told Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan in his routine appearance. As I stated, every organization, every office, every location looks at it a little various, including whether youre the NFL or youre a private club, everyone has their views on different things.
” So, certainly have regard for everybodys views and opinions, but probably as far as I d go with that.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has actually released rigorous protocol for his players in previous seasons. Jones instructed his gamers to stand, toes on the line, throughout the playing of the nationwide anthem. The owner didnt speak about social injustice and cops brutality in the instant consequences of the police killing of George Floyd in May. Previously this month, throughout Jones very first public comments given that Floyds death sparked demonstrations, Jones stated he had actually been listening.
” Weve had extremely, very sensitive times,” Jones said Aug. 12. “I have absolutely nothing to prove as far as where Im standing with the flag and where the Cowboys stand. I have nothing to show concerning my players and my support of the players. What I do desire us to reveal and belong of is a word called grace. Not only grace in our actions, however grace in our understanding of where theyre originating from. I desire our gamers to comprehend the perception of where theyre originating from relating to flag, and the level of sensitivity there and the numerous memories there. I want our fans to comprehend … where our players are coming from.
” The ones who want to essentially do that, to kneel, do not feel like theyre dishonoring the flag.”
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The Cowboys continue to talk about whether theyll kneel, some players saying they want the group to be joined in any gesture. Protective deal with Dontari Poe prepares to kneel. Jones and Poe each have said they prepare to meet and discuss Poes intent.
Nine NFL teams canceled practice Thursday (the Detroit Lions canceled Tuesdays practice) to reveal uniformity, talk about how they can utilize their platforms, and set in motion toward pushing policy change on racism and authorities cruelty. The Cowboys took part in a formerly set up voter education session Wednesday and assembled their gamers council. They didnt acknowledge the weeks occasions in a team setting prior to their Thursday early morning practice.
As practice concluded, center Joe Looney preached to a cluster of kneeling and standing teammates on the center of the Ford Center grass. Players hoped. Conversations continued in workplaces, conference room and the locker space. At the Cowboys afternoon group meeting, gamers reckoned with how to much better support their neighborhood, left take on Tyron Smith said.
” The term I struggle with right now is we all feel sports is a fantastic escape for difficult times in our society,” coach Mike McCarthy said. We got major, significant difficulties in our society right now that requirement to be dealt with.”
Stephen Jones revealed “heartfelt prayers” for the Blake household in his radio look.
” Thats simply so troubling and challenging to see this happen,” he said. “This has to stop at some time. Weve got to certainly bring awareness of whats going on to the leading edge.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.
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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has issued strict protocol for his gamers in previous seasons. Jones instructed his gamers to stand, toes on the line, during the playing of the nationwide anthem. I have absolutely nothing to show regarding my players and my support of the gamers. The Cowboys continue to discuss whether theyll kneel, some players stating they want the group to be united in any gesture. At the Cowboys afternoon team meeting, gamers reckoned with how to much better support their community, left take on Tyron Smith said.
