Owner apologizes for ‘inmates’ remark

Texans’ McNair says players not subject of ‘figure of speech.’

Bob McNair, the chairman and chief executive of the Houston Texans, apologized Friday after a report said he declared “we can’t have the inmates running the prison” during a meeting of NFL owners over what to do about players who kneel in protest during the national anthem.

McNair said he regretted using the expression and that he was “not referring to our players.”

“I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be taken literally,” McNair said. “I would never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it.”

Texans left tackle Duane Brown told reporters that he was “sickened” by McNair’s words.

“I think the comments were disrespectful, I think it was ignorant, I think it was embarrassing,” Brown said. “I think it angered a lot of players, including myself. We put our bodies and minds every time we step on the field. To use an analogy of inmates in a prison, I would say they’re disrespectful.”

Coach Bill O’Brien was asked about the situation, but wouldn’t get into specifics about it as his team prepared for a game against the Seahawks.

“It’s been addressed,” he said. “I’m really here to talk about Seattle. I’m 100 percent with these players. Our coaching staff ’s 100 percent behind these players. If you have Seattle questions, that’s what I’m here to talk about, with all due respect, and there’s a lot of respect there. I just want to focus on Seattle. I think that’s what our team is trying to do.”

The comment was published in an ESPN The Magazine story about two recent days of meetings among owners, players and others to discuss the protests that have drawn the ire of President Donald Trump. Players, following the lead of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, say they kneel to protest social injustices, particularly against African-Americans. Trump has sharply criticized the protests and even called on NFL owners to fire players.

The meetings earlier this month did not result in a policy change that would require players to stand for the anthem.

Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not attend practice on Friday amid reports that he left because of the comment. O’Brien said he took a personal day.

Jaguars: Traded for Bills tackle Marcell Dareus, beefing up the middle of one of the NFL’s best defenses. The Jaguars sent a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft to the Bills in exchange for the 330pound run-stopper.

Jacksonville ranks sixth in total defense and second in passing defense, but 31st against the run.

Dareus, the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Lions: Receiver Golden Tate is listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game against Pittsburgh because of a shoulder injury. Tate has been limited in practice this week. He is Detroit’s leading receiver, with 36 catches for 363 yards for the season.

Redskins: Will be without center Spencer Long against the Cowboys on Sunday and without linebacker Mason Foster for longer than that. Long has a knee injury, and Foster is set to have surgery on his right shoulder and be placed on injured reserve.

Bills: Will be without cornerback E.J. Gaines for Sunday’s game against the Raiders because of a hamstring injury. Gaines has been Buffalo’s No. 2 cornerback since arriving in a preseason trade with the Rams.

Jets: Starting cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) and right tackle Brandon Shell (neck) won’t play Sunday against the Falcons.

AP FILE 2014 Bob McNair made his comment during a recent meeting of NFL owners about dealing with the issue of players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.