Sports

Jerry Jones Reportedly Wants To Be The Bad Guy Over Anthem Protests

(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly wanted to be the bad guy when he told the media players who disrespected the flag would be benched.

ESPN broke the story early Thursday, morning and the details are very interesting for those following the anthem protests.

Reporter Todd Archer wrote the following:

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, in a meeting on Wednesday with players and coaches, said his stance on the national anthem protests was rooted in a desire to play the bad guy and deflect attention from the players, according to a source.

In the meeting, Jones sought to ensure that players also saw the bigger picture regarding the business side of the situation, including concerns over TV ratings and sponsors, the source said.

One player said Jones expected the Cowboys will continue to stand during the anthem. Another said the players had a better feeling for Jones’ comments, because at first he wondered if Jones had turned against them, according to the source.

I’ve always felt Jerry Jones was one of the smartest guys in the sports world, and this report only makes me more certain in my belief.

Jones knows that the anthem protests are not good for business. Something has to be done if money becomes a major issue. Players can complain all they want, but at the end of the day it’s the fans buying the tickets and the sponsors who have the ultimate pull. That’s just how sports works. It’s not a complicated issue to figure out.

He’s also smart enough to know he might need to finesse some of his players’ emotions behind the scenes, and it sounds like he’s done just that.

Everybody is out here playing checkers and my guy Jerry Jones is playing chess. More owners should pay attention.

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