Texans players this week said that they were "impressed" with coach Bill O'Brien amid the team's "whirlwind of controversy over the weekend" following Owner Bob McNair's comments, according to John McClain of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The players said that O'Brien was a "rock -- a voice of reason whose leadership helped avoid a near mutiny" before Sunday's loss against the Seahawks. The players "wanted to do something to show they were angry." They "discussed different ways to protest but, at the same time, show their unity." O'Brien has reaffirmed "throughout the ordeal that he supports his players" 100%, and the players "appreciate that support." O'Brien, Texans GM Rick Smith and assistant coach Romeo Crennel "met with players Friday." O'Brien continued to talk to them and "again after they reached Seattle." He "emphasized sticking together, playing for each other and focusing on the game against the Seahawks." It was "obvious from the first series ... that the Texans weren't distracted." O'Brien had them "focused on the game" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/1).
FROM EVERY ANGLE: In Dallas, Jon Machota notes Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones was "in the room" earlier this month when McNair made his controversial comment and Jones is "adamant that McNair was not talking about NFL players." Appearing on his weekly radio show on KRLD-FM, Jones said of McNair, "It's so unfortunate that he's had this happen for him. ... I know that I did hear (him). I heard him. He did not and was not talking about the players." He added, "He's the first to tell you that he misused some words, but it's so unfortunate because he's a high-quality individual" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/1). THE UNDEFEATED's Domonique Foxworth wrote the owners may "respect players' athletic ability, but they have never respected" them as "partners, which is what the players' value should warrant." McNair "apologized and claimed he never meant to offend anyone." Foxworth: "I believe him." But even when removing the "intent to offend, the lack of respect for a legitimate partner remains" (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 10/31). In Cincinnati, Paul Daugherty wrote owners have a "history of seeing their players as cattle." This bad statement "doesn't change that history." In Americans' "collective rush to feel offended, the biggest casualties have been context and intent." McNair "didn't mean NFL players should be wearing orange jumpsuits." He meant that those who own teams "should make the rules." Daugherty: "We may not like that, not at all. But it's the way of the world" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/31).
TRICK OR TREAT? In Houston, Fernando Alfonso III noted Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney wore an "orange prison jumpsuit at a Halloween party" on Monday night, leaving people to wonder "whether the costume was intended as a jab" at McNair following his comments. Texans Senior Dir of Communications Amy Palcic said there was "no hidden meaning" behind Clowney's costume. Palcic: "He was not taking a 'shot' at anyone" (CHRON.com, 10/31).
