Ross: Meetings result in ‘constructive’ dialogue about social inequality.
Controversial anthem protests took a back seat to social inequality Tuesday as NFL players, including three members of the Dolphins, plus owner Stephen Ross, met with other team owners and Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York. Dolphins players Michael
Thomas, Kenny Stills and Julius Thomas — who are not standing with teammates during the anthem — attended the meeting, giving the Dolphins the largest representation of any organization.
Players emerged from the discussion encouraged, according to multiple reports.
Ross called the dialogue “constructive,” according to The Associated Press.
“We heard what they had to say and they heard us,” Ross said. “It’s open talks, and that’s a good thing.”
No definitive policies were announced, but the NFL and the NFL Players Association released a joint statement call-
ing it “a productive meeting focused on how we can work together to promote positive social change and address inequality in our communities.
“... We agreed that these are common issues and pledged to meet again.”
No rule changes regarding the anthem were discussed, Monday Morning Quarterback’s Albert Breer reported. Colts cornerback Darius Butler told Breer it’s “all going to come down to the individual player” whether to kneel.
The Dolphins recently said that all players on the sideline for the anthem must stand.
Michael Thomas, Julius Thomas and Stills have since opted to remain in the tunnel or locker room until the anthem concludes.
Julius Thomas said the message he wanted to bring was “what everybody is hoping for in this country, not just in the game of football or pertaining to our league: a place that everybody feels equal.”
Thomas added, “That’s a cause that’s important to me and my message will always be that.”
Julius Thomas took it as a positive sign that the session was included as part of the league’s quarterly meetings. It comes at a contentious time when some owners are pressuring their players to stand at attention after President Donald Trump called on teams to release players who don’t comply.
“I think that this is great that the NFL, the owners, are taking the time to speak with us,” Julius Thomas said. “I think there’s really no wrong that can come from having a conversation. I’m just going to pray on it and really try to communicate my feelings and some of my viewpoints.”
Following the meeting, the league and union said, “In the best American tradition, we are coming together to find common ground and commit to the hard work required for positive change.”
Attending were Goodell and the league’s football operations chief, former Dolphin Troy Vincent; and owners Michael Bidwill (Arizona), Arthur Blank (Atlanta), Terry Pegula (Buffalo), Robert McNair (Houston), Shad Khan ( Jacksonville), Ross, Robert Kraft (New England), John Mara (New York Giants), Art Rooney (Pittsburgh), Jeffrey Lurie (Philadelphia) and Jed York (San Francisco).
Representing the players were NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, union president Eric Winston and former player Anquan Boldin of Pahokee. In addition to the three Dolphins, other current players participating were Darius Butler (Indianapolis), Russell Okung (Los Angeles Chargers), Mark Herzlich (New York Giants), Kelvin Beachum and Demario Davis (New York Jets), Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long (Philadelphia), Eric Reid (San Francisco) and Josh Norman (Washington).