Houston Texans owner Bob McNair used an unfortunate and insensitive choice of words during a closed door meeting when describing the recent rash of NFL players protesting
Last week, 11 NFL owners, commissioner Roger Goodell and a group of former and current NFL players met in New York to discuss the issue of player protesting. The meeting was held at the NFL’s headquarters to adress how the NFL can help the players with their fight for social justice.
The NFL was facing pressure both internally and externally. Ratings have been down and sponsors are concerned about not only the ratings but the impact of player protests.
Owners have mostly remained silent in the public eye, except for Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones. The rest of the owners seem content in settling this privately. This meeting should have been a big step towards that.
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. reported on what happened during those closed door meetings. As described in the story, players walked away feeling confident their issues were being heard and actions were going to take place. Goodell has even been quoted speaking positively of the interactions. The issue that is now being raised is what was said in the second day of the meeting. This meeting occurred behind closed doors with only the 11 owners, Goodell and an adviser.
A troubling quote from Houston Texan’s owner Bob McNair.
"“We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” McNair said."
This quote came after Jones and Redskins owner Dan Snyder talked about how the majority of Americans want to see the players stand for the national anthem. Some in the room were shocked by the comment.
At best, a quote like the one from McNair is an unfortunate and insensitive choice of words. At worst, it speak to how McNair actually views the players and plays into a widely-held and disrespectful notion that NFL players are criminals.
The Texans’ owner has since apologized to NFLPA president Troy Vincent after tension was building in the second day of meetings. Vincent took exception, as a former player, being described as an inmate. He also issued a public apology.
Statement from Texans Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert C. McNair: pic.twitter.com/EXdwKZ4y4x
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) October 27, 2017
Messages from an owner like the McNair quote, have no place in the league. The NFL owners, players and commissioner Goodell need to continue to work together. This divisive issue is not only hurting the NFL but muddying the message that these protests are trying to accomplish.