As New York Jets owner Woody Johnson comes under fire for allegations of using racist and sexist language, several of the team’s players are reportedly demanding change at the highest level.
New York Jets players react to allegations of Woody Johnson’s racist, sexist comments
In recent months, NFL players have launched huge campaigns on social media demanding change from the league. With one of the NFL’s longest-tenured owners now facing accusations of frequently making racist and sexist comments, we might be on the verge of another movement.
According to Sportico’s Mike Freeman, Jets players are “boiling over” the recent scandal and the alleged language Johnson used as President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. Furthermore, many players seem to want him out of the organization entirely.
If other NFL players join the Jets in demanding Johnson be replaced, pending the State Department watchdog’s investigation, it could lead to a big move. We’ve already seen NFL stars use Twitter to call out the league for not supporting player activism and for not creating a safe environment to play football amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both movements led to the NFL making monumental moves. Roger Goodell released a video supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and the league recently granted daily COVID-19 testing and wiped out the 2020 preseason.
When the allegations against Johnson came out, star safety Jamal Adams immediately reacted. Viewed as a leading voice in the locker room, Adams’ words speak volumes about the feelings held by many of his peers.
The NFL, New York Jets and Johnson have each released statements since the allegations came out. For now, Johnson will likely remain the owner of the Jets and the NFL will wait until the investigation concludes.