Jets Owner Says He'll Pay For Any Fines Incurred by Anthem Protest

Following Wednesday's announcement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that players would be required to stand during the National Anthem, remain in the locker room, or face fines and penalties, New York Jets owner Christopher Johnson told Newsweek that Jets players will be free to continue protesting as he plans on paying for any fines they incur. 

“I do not like imposing any club-specific rules,” Johnson said. “If somebody takes a knee, that fine will be borne by the organization, by me, not the players. I never want to put restrictions on the speech of our players. Do I prefer that they stand? Of course. But I understand if they felt the need to protest. There are some big, complicated issues that we’re all struggling with, and our players are on the front lines. I don’t want to come down on them like a ton of bricks, and I won’t. There will be no club fines or suspensions or any sort of repercussions. If the team gets fined, that’s just something I’ll have to bear.”

The controversy over players kneeling during the National Anthem began with Colin Kaepernick after he sat on the bench as it played to call attention to police brutality. Kaepernick said of his protest at the time that he would not show pride in "a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." 

After speaking with Army vet and former Seahawks player Nate Boyer, Kaepernick decided to adjust his protest by kneeling before games in respect for those who lost their lives fighting for the U.S. 

“I expressed to him, maybe there’s a different way of demonstrating, where you’re showing more respect for those who laid down their lives for what that flag and anthem stand for,” Boyer said of his conversation with Kaepernick. “I suggested kneeling, because people kneel to pray; we’ll kneel in front of a fallen brother’s grave.”

Johnson released a statement about the new policy on Twitter saying he planned on working with his coaches and players to do what they can to advance social justice issues that are important to them. 

On Thursday morning, President Donald Trump applauded the move by the NFL saying owners 'did the right thing' and that players who don't stand during the National Anthem maybe "shouldn't be in the country." 

"You have to stand proudly for the National Anthem or you shouldn't be playing. You shouldn't be there. Maybe you shouldn't be in the country," said Trump. 

During the heights of the controversy last season, Johnson joined all the players and coaches in locking arms during the playing of the anthem. The Jets' owner has also worked with his players to promote social-justice issues. 

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content