Will Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals observe US anthem on Monday Night Football?
Written by News on 26/09/2017
Following the defiant response by various NFL players and teams on Sunday to President Donald Trump, what can we expect when ‘America’s Team’ take to the field on Monday?
‘America’s Team’ is the moniker that has long been given to the Dallas Cowboys, who travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals in Monday Night Football – live on Sky Sports Action from 1.15am. But as well as events on the field, all eyes will once again be fixed on the sidelines as the US national anthem plays prior to kick-off.
After Donald Trump’s foul-mouthed tirade at NFL players who protest during the anthem, the league’s response has been emphatic – some teams opting to stay in the locker room during its playing, while others have taken a knee or linked arms as a display of unity.
Will players of the Cowboys and Cardinals follow suit on Monday night?
What have the owners said?
The Cowboys have not released an official team statement yet, but owner Jerry Jones has spoken on the subject, saying:
"I do not think the place to express yourself in society is as we recognise the American flag and all the people who have made this great country, the very opportunity for us to even be there in front of the nation. So that’s not the place to do anything other than honour the flag and everybody that’s given up a little for it."
Arizona Cardinals team president, Michael Bidwell, has told the team website:
"I am extremely proud of our players and the contributions they make that extend well beyond the playing field. There are countless examples of the positive influence and extraordinary impact these players have on our community.
"Football is something that has always united us as Americans and, particularly in times like these, has the ability to inspire rather than divide. It’s a responsibility in which we have always taken great pride and will continue to embrace."
What have the head coaches said?
Jason Garrett, Cowboys head coach, had very little to add during a Saturday news conference when asked about Trump’s comments.
"We have an approach that we believe in," Garrett said. "I have no real comment beyond that.
"I just don’t think it’s in anyone’s best interest for me to comment on that."
Bruce Arians, head coach of the Cardinals, meanwhile, has come out in support of the comments NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has made on the matter.
"I thought the commissioner had a great statement, and I agree with it," Arians said. "I’ve been in locker rooms for 25 years and some of the most reputable men I’ve ever met wear that uniform.
"To even overcome the things in their life to get to the NFL is amazing. What they’ve done in the last month for hurricane relief victims speaks volumes of what we’re all about in the NFL."
What about the players?
Dez Bryant, Dallas wide receiver, has said he will have "my own way of going about things" when quizzed on the matter.
"I’m criticizing nobody. They’re free to do whatever they want. I’m not doing any of that. Their beliefs are their beliefs, and I’m not saying they’re wrong because they’re feeling a certain way.
"I’m just saying OK, I want to lead by example by doing positive. I’m not saying what they’re doing is wrong. I just have my ways of going about things."
Veteran Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker hopes the team have a united front in the wake of Trump’s comments.
"It’s a shame that we’re still dealing with these issues, over and over and over, and he somehow gets a pass to say these things.
"These guys, we’ve got to stay together and show him in a different way. Instead of lashing out, we’ve got to stick together. Show compassion, love and everything else we do.
"It’s a brotherhood in the locker room, we’re out in the community, and we know ourselves. We can’t let one single person, even though it’s the president, dictate how we feel.
"We stick together. We’re in a union. If someone takes a knee, it’s almost like we all take a knee, in a sort. He said what he said. We’re going to stick together and be a team."
Watch the Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals in Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Action (407) from 1.20am on Tuesday.
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