McNair sorry for ‘inmates’ comment
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 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 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% with these players. Our coaching staff’s 100% behind these players.”
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 Trump.
Players, following the lead of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, say they kneel to protest social injustices, particularly against African Americans.
Brown said he thought about walking out of the building when he first learned of the comments.
He added that the situation is not over and that they’ll talk about it more as a team.
Receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not attend practice Friday amid reports that he left because of the comment. O’Brien said he took a personal day.
Jaguars make trade to bolster defense
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Buffalo Bills nose tackle Marcell Dareus, beefing up the middle part of one of the NFL’s best defenses.
The Jaguars (4-3) sent a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft to the Bills (4-2) in exchange for the 330-pound run-stopper.
Jacksonville ranks sixth in total defense and second in passing defense, but 31st against the run. Dareus, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, should help bolster the middle of Jacksonville’s line.
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Case Keenum will make his sixth start in eight games at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings when they play Cleveland in London . ... A day after the Miami Dolphins suffered their worst shutout loss in 20 years, coach Adam Gase said injured quarterback Jay Cutler would return to start the next game, against Oakland on Nov. 5 . ... Jets linebacker Darron Lee was fined $36,464 by the NFL for a roughing the passer penalty and $9,115 for a facemask call in New York’s loss at Miami. Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson was fined $12,154 for tossing his helmet in frustration toward the end of the 31-28 loss. Also from that game, Miami defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh was fined $9,115 for a facemask penalty . ... Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict received a fine of $12,154 for kicking at the head of Pittsburgh fullback Roosevelt Nix.