Jerry Jones Doubles Down On Anthem Stance

On Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones refused to back down from his stance that he expects his players to stand during the national anthem.

During a press conference, Jones declared that he would not support any player that decides to stay in the locker room during the anthem, an alternative the NFL offered players that don’t want to stand during the anthem.

“No,” Jones said when asked if he would support players staying in the locker room. “Our policy is that you stand at the anthem, toe on the line.”

Last week, the Miami Dolphins came under fire after the Associated Press reported that the team plans to fine and suspend players for up to four games if they protest during the national anthem.

After the Associated Press report came out, the NFL and the league’s players’ association (NFLPA) agreed to suspend the rule allowing players to stay in the locker room and for teams to punish the players.

Last season, Jones was the first team owner to declare that the players stand during the national anthem. He also threatened to bench any player who refuses to stand during the anthem.

“I obviously wouldn’t dare speak for any of the other owners, much less in general about 31 other owners,” Jones said. “As far as the Dallas Cowboys are concerned, you know where I stand. Our team knows where I stand on the issue.”

During the press conference, Jones also said he wishes U.S President Donald Trump would stop bringing up the controversy as much as he does.

“His interest in what we’re doing is problematic, from my chair, and I would say in general the owners’ chair,” Jones said at Wednesday’s news conference. “It’s unprecedented if you really think about it. But like the very game itself, that’s the way it is and we’ll deal with it.

“We feel strongly about how we deal with it and we’ll do so accordingly, but, yes, I, like everybody, would like for it to go away.”