Brady, Belichick weigh in as Cowboys show ‘unity’ on ‘MNF’
The Cowboys — including tough-talking owner Jerry Jones — took a knee and locked arms before the national anthem during “Monday Night Football” in what the boss of America’s Team called a show of “unity.”
It came after the NFL front office, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady also commented on President Trump’s criticism of players who don’t stand for the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“Great show of unity. Enjoy tonight’s great matchup,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted along with a video of the anthem last night.
Jones, who backed Trump, told ESPN his team joined together “as a statement of equality and representation of unity.” The Arizona Cardinals, hosting the Cowboys, also locked arms during the anthem.
The league is lashing back at the president who called for players who don’t stand to be fired.
“This is a situation that was brought on by the president’s remarks. Looking at yesterday, everyone should know, including the president, that this is what real locker room talk is,” NFL executive VP of communications Joe Lockhart said in a conference call to reporters yesterday.
In Alabama Friday, Trump said any “son of a bitch” who “disrespects our flag” should be fired.
Trump followed up with a string of tweets, saying yesterday the “issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!”
Brady, who is friends with Trump, called the president’s remarks “divisive” on WEEI’s “Kirk & Callahan Show.”
Belichick said in a statement: “I have immense respect and admiration for our players, for how they conduct themselves professionally as New England Patriots and for how they represent themselves, their families and community as men.”