NFL players' peaceful protest of the National Anthem, which began with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the 2016 preseason, became one of the most frequent talking points during a highly politicized 2017-18 season. Numerous players across the league took a knee as the Anthem played prior to each game.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, 77, has waffled on his opinion of the protests. On Monday, he said he expects all Dolphins players to stand during the Anthem next season.
"All of our players will be standing," Ross told the New York Daily News.
The newspaper spoke with Ross in NYC, where the Jackie Robinson Foundation honored him with its ROBIE Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Initially, I totally supported the players in what they were doing," Ross said. "It's America and people should be able to really speak about their choices."
He added that his perspective changed when he felt it became a protest against the U.S. or the military:
"When that message changed, and everybody was interpreting it as that was the reason, then I was against kneeling. I like Donald. I don't support everything that he says. Overall, I think he was trying to make a point, and his message became what kneeling was all about. From that standpoint, that is the way the public is interpreting it. So I think that's really incumbent upon us to adopt that. That's how, I think, the country now is interpreting the kneeling issue."
Ross, however, walked back his comments Tuesday morning. He issued a statement and said his comments were misconstrued.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he will not “force” players to stand during Anthem. His statement: “I have no intention of forcing our players to stand during the anthem and I regret that my comments have been misconstrued. I’ve shared my opinion with all our players.” (cont)
Ross: “I’m passionate about the cause of social justice and I feel that kneeling is an ineffective tactic that alienates more people than it enlists. I know our players care about the military and law enforcement too because I’ve seen the same players who are (cont)
Ross: “fighting for social justice engaging positively with law enforcement and the military. I care passionately that the message of social justice resonates far and wide and I will continue to support and fund efforts for those who fight for equality for all.”
Numerous Dolphins players—including Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas, Michael Thomas, Arian Foster, Laremy Tunsil, Jay Ajayi, Maurice Smith, Jelani Jenkins, and Jordan Phillips—have taken a knee during the Anthem.
