Jerry Jones clear on anthem stance

OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doubled down Wednesday on insisting that his players stand for the national anthem, declaring he wouldn’t support anyone who chose to stay in the locker room. Speaking at his annual news conference to open training camp in California, the outspoken billionaire became the first owner to say publicly that his players would not be allowed to stay off the field 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 NFL and the players’ union agreed to suspend the rule approved by owners this spring that gave players the option of staying in the locker room while allowing teams to discipline players who took a knee or sat during the anthem. The decision to begin negotiating on the issue came hours after The Associated Press reported that Miami Dolphins players who protested during the anthem could be suspended for up to four games under team policy. Last season, Jones was the first owner to declare that he would bench a player for protesting during the anthem. Two of his players — defensive linemen David Irving and Damontre Moore — raised their fists briefly as “The Star Spangled Banner” ended but weren’t disciplined. “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.” Jones said he understood the point of view of players who say they aren’t protesting the flag or the military. “This is a case where we need to in my mind check that and be real clear that it is, the priority is about the flag, and be real clear about that,” Jones said. “Sometimes it’s best to just be real clear and succinct so that nobody misunderstands. I think that’s our case.” Jones, who drew praise from President

Donald Trump when he said last year that he would bench players, said Trump’s continuing involvement in the anthem issue is “problematic” for the league.

› BEREA, Ohio — While

Josh Gordon’s away, the Cleveland Browns may launch Plan B with their wide receivers: Dez Bryant is on their radar. As they await clarity on Gordon’s cloudy situation, Cleveland general manager John Dorsey said Wednesday the team has discussed signing Bryant, the former Dallas star released by the Cowboys in April. Gordon is missing the start of training camp as part of his treatment to battle drug and alcohol addictions, and the team does not known when — or if — the 27-year-old will be back. Dorsey said he “absolutely” expects Gordon to return in 2018.

BASKETBALL

› With a need for a veteran in a rebuilding locker room full of young players, the Atlanta Hawks will sign the NBA’s eldest statesman. The Hawks have agreed to terms with Vince Carter on a one-year, $2.4 million deal, the veteran minimum, according to a person familiar with the situation. The 41-yearold Carter is entering his 21st NBA season. The NBA’s oldest active player, he is one of seven players in league history to play 20 or more seasons. Carter, a 6-foot-6 guard, played last season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 58 games and averaging 5.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Carter was a firstround pick, No. 5 overall, out of North Carolina in the 1998 NBA draft. He has played for the Raptors, Nets, Magic, Suns, Mavericks, Grizzlies and Kings in his illustrious career. He earned the nickname Vinsanity early in his career for his highlight-worthy athleticism and dunking ability. He is an eight-time All-Star, with the honor coming in consecutive seasons (1999-2007). Carter is one of six players in league history to record 24,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 1,000 steals and 1,000 3-point field goals. Last season, at 40 years, 46 days old, Carter became the oldest player to start an NBA game since Juwan Howard in 2013. Carter is 12 years older than the oldest Hawks on the roster — 29-year-olds Kent Bazemore, Jeremy Lin and Miles Plumlee. He was drafted on June 24, 1998, before the Hawks’ 2018 firstround picks, Kevin Huerter and Trae Young, were born.

LEGAL

› KNOXVILLE — A woman who says she was raped by two former University of Tennessee football players testified Wednesday and explained why she initially told police she didn’t want the men arrested. She said A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams raped her during a party at Johnson’s apartment on Nov. 16, 2014, hours after a Tennessee victory over Kentucky. “They looked like animals,” the woman said. “I was intimidated.” Johnson was a star linebacker and Williams was a defensive back for Tennessee at the time, though they were suspended from the team less than 48 hours after the party and never played for the Volunteers again. Each faces two counts of aggravated rape. Defense lawyers have said the woman intentionally had sex with both men at the same time and lied that she was raped afterward. On the night in question, the woman originally told police she didn’t want anyone arrested. The woman said Wednesday that her initial reluctance about pressing charges shouldn’t be interpreted as uncertainty about what had happened. “I knew enough to know that was a big decision,” the woman said. “I also knew enough to know that they were football players and I was not a football player, and I would not be treated the same way as them. I was scared people wouldn’t believe me because of who they were. I was scared people would say I was lying about this. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do yet.”