Malcolm Jenkins takes shot at ‘bully' Jerry Jones over Cowboys' national anthem policy

Share

Malcolm Jenkins lashed out at Cowboys owner Jerry Jones Friday, two days after Jones said Cowboys players will be required to stand for the national anthem and won’t be allowed to stay in the locker room during the anthem.

Jenkins told reporters in the locker room after practice that Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has supported his players and encouraged them to speak their minds on sensitive issues while Jones has done the opposite.

“Jeffrey’s been very supportive of us from the beginning,” Jenkins said in a video posted on Twitter by ESPN’s Tim McManus. “I don’t see Jeffrey as a bully like Jerry Jones is.”

The NFL introduced a new rule in May requiring players who are on the field pre-game to stand for the anthem but also allowing players the option to stay in the locker room until the anthem is over. Amid backlash from the NFL Players Association and the public, the league backtracked on its initial policy while the two sides work out a new policy.

Jenkins, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl safety, has been an outspoken voice in support of Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the anthem while he was with the 49ers to protest racism, inequality and social injustice.

“Lucky for me, I don’t play for the Cowboys, nor would I want to,” Jenkins said.

“It’s unfortunate that you have owners like him that use his position to intimidate and intentionally thwart even the idea of his players thinking individually or having a voice about issues that affect their communities daily. It’s unfortunate.”

More on the Eagles

Contact Us