Jerry Jones appears to be supporting Donald Trump’s assertion that anyone who protests the national anthem should be disciplined. After Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys flamboyant owner said that any Cowboy who “disrespects the flag” will not play.
Via Dallas News
If there is anything disrespecting the flag, then we will not play. Period. We’re going to respect the flag and I’m going to create the perception of it. …
“I know this. We cannot in the NFL, in any way, give the implication that we tolerate disrespecting the flag. 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.”
Jerry Jones said if any of his players disrespect the flag they will sit.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) October 9, 2017
Jones seemed to double down on the idea that anyone who “disrespects the flag” will not play when he was asked about two Cowboys players who raised their fists during their anthem.
Yeah, I don’t know about that, but if there is anything that is disrespectful to the flag then we will not play. You understand? If we are disrespecting the flag, then we won’t play. Period. Period. We’re going to respect the flag. And we have. I’m not aware, and wouldn’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not aware of that. If you say you saw it, you saw it. But we as a team are very much on the page together. We’ve made our expression that we’re together. I’m very supportive of the team but under no circumstances–under no circumstances–will the Dallas Cowboys, I don’t care what happens, under no circumstances as an organization or as coaches and players, not support and stand and recognize and honor the flag. Period.”
As of now it doesn’t appear that any Cowboys players of note are willing to test Jones on the matter.