Now that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has set a new policy demanding that his players be on the field during the national anthem this season, we’re starting to see some push back from others around the NFL.
That includes Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, who did not hold back in his opinion of Jones.
Malcolm Jenkins calls Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a bully after Jones recently said he would make his players stand for the anthem. pic.twitter.com/noeHrLIlZZ
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) July 27, 2018
“I don’t see Jeffrey Lurie (Eagles owner) as a bully, like Jerry Jones is. And so, lucky for me, I don’t play for the Cowboys, nor do I want to,” Jenkins said. “It’s unfortunate that you have owners like him that use his position to intimidate and intentially thwart even the idea of these players thinking individually or having a voice about issues that affect their community.”
This comes after President Donald Trump tweeted in favor of Jones Friday morning.
Way to go Jerry. This is what the league should do! https://t.co/yEP1jK57xi
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2018
The NFL had initially set forth a policy this offseason that forces players to either remain in the locker room during the anthem or pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes on the field without protesting. But just recently, the NFL and NFLPA agreed that said rules would not be enforced.
Obviously, we’re now staring directly into what will be a third consecutive NFL season of national anthem controversy. Jenkins’ comments coupled with Jones’ stance and President Trump’s tweet magnify this even further.
How fun.