Jerry Jones' stance on Cowboys players protesting during the anthem has evolved in recent yearsGETTY IMAGES
Cowboys DT Tyrone Crawford said that Owner Jerry Jones is "getting out of the way and showing the grace that he promised by seemingly giving his players ... 'the green light to express themselves' on social justice matters," according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM. The practice of kneeling during the anthem "will no longer be banned." Jones recognizes that it is an "opportunity to support his players in a time of need and he wants to use visibility of the Cowboys to move the ball forward." Jones said, "I really do recognize the time we're in, and I recognize the ability of the Cowboys to use the visibility and the interest we have to support the players. And, so we'll come down in a way that gives us a chance to move the ball forward, move the ball positively forward." He added, "The word is 'be as effective as we can, maximizing this visibility of the Cowboys.' We're the most visible thing there is in all of television in any discipline." Jones: "There will be no angst between me and the players and no angst between me and the fans" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/5).
TONE SHIFT: USA TODAY's Jori Epstein wrote Jones has "shifted his tone" regarding players protesting during the national anthem. Jones on Friday acknowledged that "his players' opinions are diverse," and he "urged fans to respect that." Jones: "They need help" (USA TODAY, 9/4). President Trump's son Eric Trump last night tweeted, "Football is officially dead -- so much for 'America's sport.' Goodbye NFL...I'm gone" (USA TODAY, 9/8).
LATE TO THE GAME? In Dallas, Calvin Watkins noted the Cowboys have "done little since training camp started to make a statement" regarding the Jacob Blake shooting. Watkins wrote the Cowboys give the impression that when they "step to the forefront the fight for social justice begins," but in reality, the fight NFL players have undertaken against racism and social injustice is "leaving the Cowboys behind" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/7).
