Prescott made it clear that he believes in standing for the national anthemGETTY IMAGES
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott, in the wake of comments last week from Jerry and Stephen Jones, have "answered some anthem questions" of their own, according to Jon Machota of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Elliott said, "Us as a team, we chose to stand together for the national anthem. It was our decision. I think it just show our culture. It shows that we have unity. We're going to stand as one." Prescott said, "I never protest during the anthem, and I don't think that's the time or the venue to do so" (DALLASNEWS.com, 7/27). Prescott added, "Whether I was wearing the star or not, whether I was playing for Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones or any other owner, I believe in what I believe in, and that's that." The AP's Schuyler Dixon noted Prescott "didn't pause or stammer" in giving his response, and he "didn't stop himself to consider what his peers might think" (AP, 7/28). In Dallas, Tim Cowlishaw wrote Prescott "did just fine" and gave "thoughtful, intelligent answers" explaining why he chooses not to protest during the anthem. A management team that "spends countless hours trying to make this offense 'Dak-friendly'" also makes Prescott "walk a political tightrope that no one can manage." While approximately 97-98% of the NFL "stands at attention during the anthem, the only thing that matters now to rival players and protesters is that Dak stands at attention" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/28).
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COWBOY: USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell wonders if any players are "going to resist" Jerry Jones' edict that all Cowboys players stand during the anthem. The "blanket message seems to be" that any Cowboys player who protests during the anthem "will be out of a job." Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis said, "If anything, I'll do my political things away from the field" (USA TODAY, 7/29). FS1's Shannon Sharpe said, "It's just so sad that Jerry speaks and they echo everything Jerry says, who echoes everything the president says. ... Dak, I want you to do me one favor: can you please tell me the time and the venue that is the appropriate protest? Because there are millions and billions of people that want to know the time and the venue in which they can protest” (“Undisputed,” FS1, 7/30). ESPN's Domonique Foxworth said the problem he has with Prescott's statements is that he "implied they shouldn't have done it in the first place by saying it was not the time or the venue." ESPN’s Mina Kimes said, “Dak is in a very difficult position, and Jerry Jones has put all of his players and coaches in a difficult position by articulating something that didn’t need to be articulated" (“First Take,” ESPN, 7/30).
STEPPING OUT OF HIS LANE: Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins said of Jones, "It’s unfortunate that you have owners like him that use his position to intimidate and intentionally thwart even the idea of his players thinking individually or having a voice about issues that affect their communities daily" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/28). Pro Football HOFer-elect Terrell Owens, who played three seasons with the Cowboys, said of Jones' anthem stance, "That is being a bully. You're basically stripping someone of their rights to do what they want to in a peaceful protest" (DALLASNEWS.com, 7/29). In Boston, Ben Volin noted the NFL is "trying to find an amicable solution" with the NFLPA on this issue, but Jones increasingly "does whatever Jerry Jones wants to do" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/29).
TAKING ANOTHER STAND: Dallas-area KDFW-Fox' Mike Doocy "cancelled his annual interview" with Jones after "being told he couldn't ask any questions about the national anthem controversy." Doocy said, "At the last second before we were getting ready to record our interview, we were told by Jerry and his public relations staff that the national anthem issue would be off limits. The fact we were told that at the last minute and that conditions were put on the interview in that way, I just didn't feel comfortable going on with it" (DALLASNEWS.com, 7/29).
