Yesterday in the team meeting it is reported by unnamed sources that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he is only trying to help the players, according to an article on “ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports”. This comes after Jones’ statement on Sunday that seemingly threatened to bench anyone who disrespected the flag.
Jones’ back and forth
Jones, a good owner by all accounts, has been back and forth on the issue of NFL players taking a knee during the playing of the National Anthem. At first he was silent, but like many others was forced to take a stand after President Donald Trump said that NFL owners should fire sons-of-(language unbecoming of a president) who disrespected the American Flag.
This harshly put directive galvanized players, coaches and owners around the league to band together.
In the very next game Jones was seen kneeling in solidarity with his players before the National Anthem was played, although he did stand during the actual playing of the same. This seemed to be a way to compromise by showing understanding of the players’ position, but at the same time his standing showed his own allegiance to the Flag. But then this past Sunday, according to a "Yahoo.com Sports" article by Darin Gantt, Jones was quoted as saying, “…if we are disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period.”
Will the real Jerry Jones please stand
So how does Jones really feel and whose side is he on?
The latest statement that he is only trying to help the players seems to imply that Jones is willing to sacrifice being their friend in order to do what’s best for the team. By ordering them to stand during the playing of the National Anthem, Jones knows he is facing the possibility of being seen as the big bad bully boss. However, "ESPN.com" reporter Todd Archer said that Jones told his Cowboys that his order to stand was “rooted in a desire to play the bad guy”.
By him being seen publically as a bad guy, Jones thinks that will in turn take some of the pressure off of his team that comes from fans booing them as they kneel.
Many mothers can attest to having used the old “I’m doing this for your own good” adage down through the years. Jones has always been known as a man who makes up his mind and sticks to it.
Could he have been swayed by President Trump constantly tweeting to and about the NFL team owners? Or does fan disapproval make him think lackluster ticket sales might be a result of players taking a knee? As the season progresses, time will tell whether or not Jones is making the right play call in this situation.
