The social justice movement has significantly influenced the return of sports, with numerous players across the NBA, WNBA, Major League Baseball, and the NFL showing support for Black Lives Matter by kneeling during the national anthem. This has been supported by the leagues themselves. The critical question now is how the NFL, and more specifically the Dallas Cowboys, will address this issue when they open the season in September.
The situation is particularly sensitive for the Cowboys due to owner Jerry Jones’ previous directive that players must stand for the anthem with their toes on the line or face not playing. So far, Jones and the Cowboys have not officially responded to the evolving attitudes toward anthem protests, which now include NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitting the league initially mishandled the issue and expressing support for Black Lives Matter and the players’ right to kneel.
Cowboys defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has openly questioned Jones’ silence on the matter, while nose tackle Dontari Poe has echoed McCoy’s sentiments and indicated that he may kneel in the upcoming season.
Speaking for the first time since the start of training camp on Friday, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said the team is still discussing its stance on the anthem and the prospect of players kneeling. “These are conversations that we’ll continue to have,” McCarthy said. “It is Aug. 7 and in fairness to us this is the first time we have been in the building together. All those things will be talked about. My particular stance is it’s a time to step back and listen and make sure we are in the right place.”
McCarthy, who is in his first year with the Cowboys after replacing Jason Garrett in January, has been engaging in open dialogue with his players about racism and social justice during Zoom meetings following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 and the subsequent national racial reconciliation movement. This period has had a personal impact on him, and if his attitude is indicative, there may be a shift in the Cowboys’ previous stance on anthem protests.
“I know for me personally, it’s made me take a hard look at the blind spots that I may have in my life from my experiences,” McCarthy said. “One thing I do know, and we continue to echo to everybody involved in football operations, is to take a step back. I think we all need to listen more. How can we really be part of the progress? I think the organization’s statement of protest through progress is right on the money. So, that’s really where our focus will be. We’ll definitely support players any way we can.”
This willingness to listen and engage with players on these critical issues may signal a potential change in how the Cowboys will address anthem protests and support their players’ expressions of social justice concerns. The team is expected to continue these discussions as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to find a stance that reflects the evolving attitudes within the league and the nation.
