Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross yesterday defended the freedom of speech of four players who kneeled during the National Anthem prior to yesterday's season-opener against the Seahawks and the "message they expressed," according to Jason Lieser of the PALM BEACH POST. Ross said, "I don’t think it was any lack of respect. ... These guys are making a conversation of something that’s a very important topic in this country, and I’m 100 percent supportive of them. It’s a country where you’re allowed to indicate what your preferences are and how your feelings are. That’s what makes it so great. I think it’s great and I applaud them for what they’re doing.” He added, "I don’t think there’s anybody in the organization, all the players included, that want to show any disrespect for this country, to the flag, to the soldiers or anything else. I think they all know as an organization we’re totally, 100 percent behind them. I think today what’s been brought up is a conversation that needs to be had. I think they’re doing it in their way and I applaud them. That’s what it’s all about" (PALM BEACH POST, 9/12). In Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde writes the national sports protest for change and more racial awareness "got its biggest recruit to date" in Ross, who "isn't some disposable player." He "didn't have to back off from joining the protest because he's a small-name reserve who feared for his job." Ross is in the "elite club of NFL owners." He is a "multi-billionaire, and a "game-changer, too." If players face some fans' wrath for kneeling down -- as they know they do -- Ross "presents a bigger name and bigger target for those to grow angry about" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 9/12). Meanwhile, Warriors F Draymond Green yesterday tweeted, "I applaud Mr. Ross on what he said today but it comes as no surprise as he created RISE a year ago trying to bring awareness to this issue. I’m happy the conversation has been started and actions are being taken" (TWITTER.com, 9/11).
FAITH IN OWNERSHIP: 49ers S Eric Reid said that the team's recent pledge of $1M to two Bay Area foundations is a "strong show of support" for the National Anthem stance he has taken with QB Colin Kaepernick. Reid: "You know there’s going to be backlash. You know you can’t satisfy anybody. But for our organization to step up -- it feels like we’re supported by the NFL. That’s huge. It gives substance to what we’re doing; our owners believe in what we’re doing. It kind of gives me encouragement to move forward" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/10).
