Cowboys’ Jones has new stance on anthem protests
Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys is the first NFL owner with a public suggestion of repercussions for displays during the national anthem, as the owner suggested his players will be benched if they disrespect the flag.
Jones was responding Sunday night to questions about Vice President Mike Pence’s decision to leave an Indianapolis home game in protest of about a dozen San Francisco players who kneeled during the anthem. President Donald Trump tweeted after Pence’s walkout that he had told his vice president to leave if any players kneeled.
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the movement early last season when he sat on the bench, and later kneeled, during the anthem to protest racial inequality and police mistreatment of black males.
Jones said after a loss to Green Bay on Sunday that the NFL cannot leave the impression that it tolerates players disrespecting the flag and said any Cowboys doing so will not play.
NFL players’ union executive director DeMaurice Smith said Monday that Jones contradicted assurances last week from Commissioner Roger Goodell and New York Giants President John Mara that players could express themselves without reprisals.
“I look forward to the day when everyone in management can unite and truly embrace and articulate what the flag stands for, liberty and justice for all, instead of some of them just talking about standing,” Smith said. “We look forward to continuing our talks with them on this very issue.”
Vikings defeat Bears
Case Keenum led three second-half scoring drives in relief of Sam Bradford to help the Minnesota Vikings spoil rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s debut with a 20-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday night.
Kai Forbath kicked a 26yard field goal in the closing seconds after Harrison Smith intercepted Trubisky, and the Vikings (3-2) came away with the win after dropping two of three.
Called on after Mike Glennon struggled in the first four games, Trubisky, the No. 2 overall pick this year, was 12 of 25 for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Smith’s interception came after the Bears (1-4) took over on their 10 with 2:32 left in the game.
Watt out for season
As the Houston Texans face another long stretch without J.J. Watt, they know the rest of their defense will have to step up to make up for his absence after he and linebacker Whitney Mercilus suffered season-ending injuries Sunday.
“It’s going to have to be multiple guys,” Coach Bill O’Brien said.
Watt broke his left leg and Mercilus, an outside linebacker, tore a pectoral muscle in a 42-34 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Giants lose receivers
The New York Giants are going to be without offensive catalyst Odell Beckham Jr. for the rest of the season.
The Giants said Beckham will have surgery for his broken left ankle, and his season officially ended when he was put on injured reserve along with fellow receiver Dwayne Harris.
Beckham was hurt Sunday against the Chargers, as was Harris, who suffered a broken foot.
Receivers Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard also were hurt and are listed as day to day.
Hogan gets in the mix
Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson is undecided about his starting quarterback.
Jackson benched rookie DeShone Kizer at halftime of Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, replacing him with former Stanford star Kevin Hogan, who threw two touchdown passes.
Jackson said Monday that he’s still weighing whether it would be beneficial to sit Kizer, who has thrown a league-high nine interceptions. The Browns play at Houston this week.