Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is speaking out about the National Anthem kneeling controversy. The 77-year-old billionaire is taking a different approach to the issue than in years past and social media is sounding off on his comments.
During an interview on Wednesday, Jones explained that he hopes to find a solution that works for both those who choose to kneel and others that oppose the act. “We’re going to show grace. I’m going to show grace. And I’d like to show that kind of grace on a sensitive matter,” he said, according to ESPN.
Jones explained that he feels its part of his duty as owner and general manager in approaching a decision. “Everybody is genuine here. I’m giving everyone the benefit of the doubt relative to any decision that I make,” he said. “I have one thing: My job is to run the Dallas Cowboys. My job is to do what’s right. We’ve asked for all of this interest, and we’ve asked for our players to give everything they’ve got.”
After making the comments, thousands of sports fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
Is Jerry Jones Backpedaling?
A number of Twitter users voiced frustration with Jones’ change in position. They find that he made his opinions on the issue clear in the past. Furthermore, they feel he is now “backpedaling.”
While Jones demanded that his players stand until now, he says that the team may take a new approach in the 2020-2021 season. “Somewhere in between there,” Jones said, “as we get together with our team, as we discuss with the team, somewhere in between there is how we’re going to handle it.”
Is It Too Little Too Late?
While Jones expressed a change of heart, some on social media find his efforts too little too late. Many referred back to his comments made back in 2017.
At the time, Jones firmly opposed kneeling during the anthem. When asked whether the Cowboys planned to kneel, Jones said, “Too many of the fans of the Dallas Cowboys perceive this as disrespect for the flag. And so I don’t want our team doing it,” according to USA Today.
Jones says that he found the issue too politically divisive. “I’m not in the business of 51-49,” he said. “That’s not what we’re about. I’m removing the politics. I’m removing everything from this. What I have the right to say is who’s on that football field.”
Jerry Jones Wants Fans at Cowboys Games This Year
Jerry Jones finds himself coming under fire on social media for not only his statements on kneeling but also his stance on playing this season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the interview, Jones explained that he plans on playing all Cowboys home games with fans in attendance.
“The Dallas Cowboys plan on playing football, and we plan on playing in front of our fans,” Jones said. “I think it’s important. I think it’s important individually.”
He continued by adding: “We will have our challenges, the people that will be there will be there at their own volition just as the players that are out on this field for the Cowboys are here because they have chosen to be here. Our fans will be in the stadium because they have chosen to be there.”
Many on Twitter took issue with Jones wanting to allow fans to attend the games. Check out a few of their responses below:
