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Tackling Free Speech: Roger Goodell and NFL Order Jerry Jones To Stop Talking About The Anthem

jonathanturley

Freedom_of_SpeechIt appears that all of the concern over the free speech rights of players over the national anthem protests does not extend to owners.  Last week, Dallas Cowboys coach Jerry Jones was reportedly told to stop talking about the national anthem controversy.  Jones had said that his team would be standing at attention during the playing of the national anthem this season.  Then he went silent.  I previously wrote how the NFL is an organization curiously based on socialist principles and a heavy-hand of censorship.  The NFL is already buckling on its compromise to allow players to stay in the locker room as protests during the anthem as the player association and some teams demand the right to continue the protests.

Jones expressly said that he was not speaking for other teams.  What is strange is that  the Chairman of the New York Jets was not speaking for other teams in saying that he would pay to protest but it was Jones who was silenced.
As I have previously discussed, owners have a right to demand that players refrain from protests during games as do any employers.  The NFL however is the greatest remaining testament to Soviet-style central planning.
Jones should defy Goodell’s threat and speak openly. Let them take him to court on the right of an owner to speak publicly on a matter of great importance to his fans and the country at large.  That would be one play that no one would want to miss.
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