NFL players’ union slams Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for threatening to bench players

DALLAS – The declaration by the powerful owner of the Dallas Cowboys that he would bench anyone who shows disrespect to the American flag drew a sharp response from the NFL players’ union Monday.

DeMaurice Smith is executive director of the NFL Players Association. He says the most provocative comments yet by Jerry Jones on the anthem controversy contradicted assurances last week from Commissioner Roger Goodell that players could express themselves without retribution.

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Smith says he looks forward to the day when NFL management can embrace what the flag truly stands for.

Jones’ comments on Sunday came after he was asked about Vice-President Mike Pence‘s decision to leave an Indianapolis home game in protest of about a dozen San Francisco players who kneeled during the anthem.