Goodell: Sympathy to protests
Asked about players who did not stand for the national anthem before preseason games, Roger Goodell said yesterday that while the playing of the anthem is a special moment to him, “we also have to understand the other side.”
The commissioner made the comments at University of Phoenix Stadium during a 45-minute questionand-answer period with Arizona Cardinals club seat holders. One season ticket-holder, Bruce Olson, asked the commissioner whether players were going to continue to protest during the anthem and if anything could be done about it.
“It’s one of those things where I think we have to understand that there are people that have different viewpoints,” Goodell said. “The national anthem is a special moment to me. It’s a point of pride. But we also have to understand the
NFL
other side, that people do have rights and we want to respect those.”
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat on the visiting bench during the anthem before the preseason opener against the Chargers, a decision he made before weekend protests by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va. Bennett has said that the aim of his protest is to make people uncomfortable. In the process, he hopes to spur greater communication, understanding and involvement across racial, gender and socio-economic lines.
Bennett plans to sit during the national anthem all season and expects a backlash regarding an issue that is “bigger than a sport.”
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat on a cooler during the anthem on Saturday. Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn raised a first before his team’s game.
Fins ink young Griffey
A person familiar with the deal says the Miami Dolphins have signed undrafted free agent receiver Trey Griffey, the son of Hall of Fame baseball player Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey had 79 catches for 1,241 yards and six touchdowns in four seasons at Arizona. The Indianapolis Colts signed Griffey after the April draft, but he was waived-injured in June . . . .
Buffalo Bills newly acquired receiver Jordan Matthews has a chip fracture in his sternum and is listed as week to week.
Falcons’ star to sit
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has concussion symptoms and has been ruled out for this week’s preseason game at Pittsburgh. Freeman left Sunday’s practice with heat-related issues. The Falcons agreed to terms Wednesday on a five-year, $41.25 million extension with Freeman . . . .
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone says quarterback Blake Bortles is getting reduced repetitions because of a tired arm . . . .
Cleveland Browns rookie safety Jabrill Peppers had a strong practice with a few pass breakups, an interception and massive hit on WR Rannell Hall . . ..
There’s no official word yet from the Detroit Lions about whether defensive end Kerry Hyder will miss the season. What’s clear is that the Lions are coming to grips with the idea of having to play without him due to a “significant” Achilles tendon injury.