President Donald Trump continued to make NFL players' behavior during the national anthem a priority of his administration, tweeting out his support for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Monday night.
"A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag."Stand for Anthem or sit for game!"
A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag."Stand for Anthem or sit for game!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
Jones unexpectedly commented on the issue after the Cowboys' last-minute loss to the Packers Sunday evening, saying, "If there is anything disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period," Jones said (via the DallasNews.com). We're going to respect the flag and I'm going to create the perception of it. ..."
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After Trump's comments at a rally likening any player who knelt for the national anthem a "son of a bitch" and saying they should be fired, more than 150 NFL players protested during the national anthem the following Sunday. After a relatively quiet Sunday a week ago, the topic jumped to the forefront once again yesterday. Vice President Mike Pence walked out of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy after he spotted players kneeling during the national anthem.
That evening, Jones referenced Pence in his comments.
"I know this. We cannot in the NFL, in any way, give the implication that we tolerate disrespecting the flag," Jones said. "We cannot do that. I know the vice president did leave because in his opinion, the teams were. We know that there is a serious debate in this country about those issues. But there is no question in my mind that the National Football League and the Dallas Cowboys are going to stand up for the flag. Just so we're clear."
Trump and Jones have spoken about the anthem issue. After Jones kneeled with the rest of the Cowboys before the anthem for their Sept. 25 game against the Cardinals, the two men spoke, prompting a tweet from Trump.
Spoke to Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys yesterday. Jerry is a winner who knows how to get things done. Players will stand for Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2017