Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green compared Houston Texans team owner Bob Mcnair’s comment to the racist remarks made by former Los Angeles Clippers team owner Donald Sterling. On his Instagram account, Green spoke his mind about McNair’s pronouncement, saying “This sure does sound very Donald Sterling-esque.” Earlier, ESPN The Magazine reported that McNair said: “we can't have the inmates running the prison” during last week’s owner meeting over protests by several players during the national anthem. Sterling owned the Clippers from 1981 until 2014 before he was banned by the NBA after his racist remarks became public.
The Clippers were in turn sold to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion. In a separate interview, per CBS Sports, Green likened McNair’s statement to President Trump’s declaration encouraging NFL owners to fire any players who kneel for the anthem. For veteran running back Reggie Bush, McNair should go as an NFL team owner.
Texans players mad at owner
Texans players were fuming over the team owner’s comment comparing NFL players to inmates. Sarah Barshop of ESPN reported that some players wanted to stage a walkout due to McNair’s comment but were persuaded by the coaching staff to stay. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, around ten players, including star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, left the facility Friday.
However, some of them returned to the facility, but Hopkins did not return. Schefter said Hopkins decided to skip practice due to the team owner’s pronouncement. According to Texans coach Bill O'Brien, Hopkins had taken a “personal day,” but he expects him to be on the team plane on Saturday when they fly to Seattle and to suit up against the Seahawks.
O'Brien, general manager Rick Smith and assistant head coach Romeo Crennel conducted a team meeting where the players were given to speak their mind and express their emotion on the matter.
Texans owner apologized
McNair later issued a public apology, saying he regretted using the “inmate” expression. He added that he did not mean to offend anyone, clarifying that he was not referring to our players.
McNair said he will never describe or characterize NFL players that way. McNair made the statement during the October 18 owners’ meeting where they discussed the effects of the anthem protests on the business side of the NFL. After the meeting, NFL executive Troy Vincent stated that he took exception to McNair's characterization of the players as “inmates.” McNair then apologized to Vincent, saying his words should not be taken literally.
