President Trump criticizes Roger Goodell over anthem protests in series of tweets
It seems as though Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has once again found a kindred spirit in the form of President Donald Trump.
In a series of tweets early Wednesday morning, the commander-in-chief first took aim at Lavar Ball for not appreciating the president’s role on bringing home Ball’s son, LiAngelo back to the United States after his arrest in Hangzhou, China for shoplifting.
But not long after, Trump once again took Roger Goodell to task for how the NFL commissioner has handled the national anthem protests. The president claimed the league was considering keeping players in the locker room for the 2018-2019 season while the anthem was going on. The second attack likely refers to a report from The Washington Post that claimed that several unnamed owners believe the league will revisit the issue after the conclusion of the season.
The NFL is now thinking about a new idea - keeping teams in the Locker Room during the National Anthem next season. That’s almost as bad as kneeling! When will the highly paid Commissioner finally get tough and smart? This issue is killing your league!.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2017
Back in early October, the president praised Goodell for his supposed plan to end the protests. He also publicly applauded Jones’ proclamation that any Cowboys’ player that sat for the anthem wouldn’t play.
A big salute to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who will BENCH players who disrespect our Flag."Stand for Anthem or sit for game!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2017
Jones is reportedly still furious over Goodell’s handling of the protests as well as the handling of the Ezekiel Elliot case. Although the Cowboys owner has threatned to take legal action for several weeks, several reports indicate that he has since backed down.
This story was originally published November 22, 2017 at 8:18 AM with the headline "President Trump criticizes Roger Goodell over anthem protests in series of tweets."