No Bears players knelt or protested during the national anthem last seasonGETTY IMAGES
The NFL and NFLPA have "yet to announce a resolution" following national anthem policy discussions, leaving the Bears and Ravens "on their own for determining their course of action" tomorrow at the HOF Game, according to Colleen Kane of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Bears coach Matt Nagy said that the players have “had conversations about the action they will take and that the team would finalize it before the game.” Bears LB and player rep Sam Acho “expects the team to be in unison, even if it means compromise from some parties.” Bears Chair George McCaskey “made it known” in June he “believes players should stand for the anthem, and no player from the Bears last season protested during it” (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 7/31).
THE COWBOY WAY: In L.A., Vincent Bonsignore writes whether it was intentional or not, Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones "looked and sounded like a modern-day slave owner telling his workers to toe the line or else." Jones "deserves his place in Canton," but he is "wrong on this issue" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/1). In Philadelphia, Solomon Jones writes Jones' latest statements "reminded me that team owners sometimes think and behave like slave owners" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/1). But in Austin, Kirk Bohls writes he applauds Cowboys QB Dak Prescott for "exerting his leadership muscles and taking a strong stand in favor of standing for the anthem." Bohls: "As I have written, the NFLPA should move the focus toward correcting law enforcement abuse and stay away from the anthem. Oh, and Jerry, take off your damn hat for the anthem. Talk about a mixed message" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 8/1).
