philadelphia daily news
Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins said he is "not sure yet" whether he will raise his fist during the anthem at NFL games, and also that mixed messaging has "put players in a place where we don't trust the league's intentions, and we don't trust the intentions of the owners," according to Marcus Hayes of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Jenkins is the Eagles' NFLPA rep, but "not part of the 11-player executive board, which is negotiating an anthem policy" with the league. Jenkins will "make a few calls before he makes his decision" on any protest Thursday night, when the Eagles begin preseason play against the Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Jenkins, also a co-Founder of the Players Coalition, said his group "might make a statement" concerning the league anthem policy. Jenkins: "We will probably have an op-ed or something drop Wednesday." Hayes writes Jenkins and others "should protest," as it would cause a "new headache for the NFL, and it's a headache the NFL deserves." A protest by Jenkins and DE Chris Long, the "most-decorated members" of the Eagles' defense, would "spark a little movement" in anthem policy talks. Before the league "betrayed them," Jenkins and most of the Players Coalition members "didn't consider protesting to be an issue this season." Jenkins said that had the NFL not implemented a new anthem policy in the first place, it "wouldn't be" an issue. Jenkins also noted NFLers have been "very active" and are "starting to find different avenues, different ways they can contribute." Jenkins: "People are beginning to see this is bigger than just the two minutes of the national anthem" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/7).
LONE STAR: A DALLAS MORNING NEWS editorial states that NFLers have a "right to play this one as they see fit," including Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. The editorial: "You can disagree with him, but it seems unfair to attack Prescott for speaking from the heart and then acting on issues that matter to him" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/7). FS1's Colin Cowherd noted Prescott is "beloved" by Cowboys fans and they are "on his side on the anthem issue." Cowherd: "Again, politics is easier when you have alignment. ... On this anthem situation, the market matters. San Francisco and Seattle are pro-kneeling. Dallas and Charlotte, a little more conservative, are not as pro-kneeling" ("Speak For Yourself," FS1, 8/6).
TOGETHER THEY STAND: In Dallas, David Moore writes Cowboys players "recognize the debate that rages around them," but have decided to "choose team." Moore: "Does this mean the Cowboys are of one mind on this issue? Far from it. They are no different from any other workplace." But the players "understand both sides are looking for recruits in this culture war to benefit their cause, not the team." In a "world of absolutes, the Cowboys seek middle ground" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/7).
