What Jesse Jackson finds so concerning about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' anthem stance

Story by Dallas News
Written by Brandon George
Photo by Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News

Jesse Jackson said he's long been an admirer of Jerry Jones, but the civil rights activist isn't happy with the Cowboys owner for telling players they will be benched if they don't stand for the national anthem.

Jackson said Tuesday he was working to get in touch with Jones to tell him he's disappointed in Jones' comments over the past few days. "I'm very concerned about this issue," Jackson told The Dallas Morning News. "President [Donald] Trump is putting pressure on the [NFL] owners. Owners are putting pressure on the players. Fans are confused and players must either submit or rebel, so it's pressure on everybody. Trump was able to hijack the issue. The issue isn't about the flag. The issue is about racial disparities."

Jackson said his relationship with Jones stretches back several years. He said he even attended Bob Hayes' funeral with Jones in 2002 after the former Cowboys receiver died at 59 of kidney failure after battling prostate cancer. "What I admire about him is the many players he has helped far beyond their playing days and he doesn't make it a public issue," Jackson said. "I know him to be a principled, caring and decent person, including caring for his player beyond the playing field. One example that comes to mind is -- he didn't have to, but I happen to know that he did take special care and worked with Bob Hayes' family upon his early death.

"I have high regard for Mr. Jones, but he must not step beyond his boundaries. This is not a patriotism test. When Donald Trump avoids the draft, that was a patriotism test he failed. He just ran. I don't think it is right for the owners to threaten the players. We're all fighting to be free people and make choices."
No Cowboys players have knelt during the national anthem. Defensive linemen Damontre Moore and David Irving did raise their fists at the conclusion of the anthem Sunday before the Green Bay game at AT&T Stadium.

NFL owners are meeting next week in New York to discuss the league's anthem policy and try to find a resolution. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter Tuesday to all 32 owners and clearly stated he wants all players to stand for the anthem.

"Yes, the Dallas Cowboys are the private property of Jerry Jones and he has the right to make his own rules about his players kneeling during the national anthem," Jackson said. "But most of the African-American players come from places where they have experienced firsthand racial injustice."

Jackson said he believes players should continue to take a knee in their push for racial justice. Jackson said he would also like to speak to the NFL owners during their regularly scheduled fall meetings next week.

"Mr. Jones is saying, 'If you honor the First Amendment, you'll be off my team,'" Jackson said. "That's a constitutional right. He should not feel comfortable wielding that kind of power.

"Now the players are being tested by Jerry. He's challenging their manhood and their dignity. This has to stop.

"I think to not protest is to turn your back on the others. Some have to choose conscience over money."