Jerry Jones caught on camera making a racial remark
By Ian Levy
A video showing Jerry Jones making “inappropriate” racial comments is likely going to add fuel to the fire of this NFL season.
As much as anything, this NFL season has been defined by conversations about race and social justice, sparked by Colin Kaepernick and the players who have joined him in symbolic protests during the National Anthem. Early in the season, Jones joined his players, locking arms and kneeling while a flag was unfurled, then standing for the singing of the anthem.
However, a few weeks later, he appeared to change tone, threatening to bench players who “are disrespecting the flag.” The intensity of feelings on both sides has kept this issue in the spotlight and now a new incident involving Jones is likely to dominate the news for the next few days. A video of Jones making an insensitive racial remark was released today.
In the video, which was obtained and released by The Blast. Jones, who seems to have been drinking, can be heard saying, “Jennifer, congratulations on the wedding. Now, you know he’s with a black girl tonight, don’t you?”
Jones has already apologized for his comments, saying in a statement, “That comment was inappropriate. It’s not who I am, and I’m sorry.” The video was filmed in 2013 and not released until now.
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Jones is also involved in a feud with commissioner Roger Goodell. After being told that running back Ezekiel Elliott would be suspended for six games, Jones reportedly threatened Goodell, telling him, “I’m gonna come after you with everything I have.”
Goodell is negotiating a new contract and Jones has reportedly been working hard to oust him from the position he has held since 2006. Jones is one of the NFL’s most vocal front office presences, having owned the flagship Dallas Cowboys since 1989.