After reports broke this week from the National Football League in regards to players kneeling during the National Anthem, the Chairman of the New York Jets has spoken out against violating his player’s freedom of speech.
On Wednesday, the NFL issued a statement saying that players must stand during the National Anthem at a game–and if they decide not to, must remain in the locker room until the performance is complete. The protests against the National Anthem come about in protest of racial injustice and police brutality across the nation–started by Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel in protest during a 2016 game.
The NFL also stated if players decide to leave the locker room and still kneel on the field during the Anthem, the team could be fined immensely. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated:
“This season, all league and team personnel shall stand and show respect for the flag and the Anthem. Personnel who choose not to stand for the Anthem may stay in the locker room until after the Anthem has been performed.”
However, the NFL Players Association criticized the NFL for not consulting with the players union before issuing the statement. Now, fans and employees are speaking out against the new ruling–including the Chairman of the New York Jets, Christopher Johnson.
Johnson issued a statement saying he will not restrict his player’s freedom of speech and will not fine players for kneeling during the National Anthem–instead, he will pay the fines from the organization. He said:
“As I have in the past, I will support our players wherever we land as a team. Our focus is not on imposing any Club rules, fines, or restrictions. Instead we will continue to work closely with our players to constructively advance social justice issues that are important to us. I remain extremely proud of how we demonstrated unity last season as well as our players’ commitment to strengthening our communities.”
The team also issued this statement on Twitter.
Statement from Chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson pic.twitter.com/4JObk43oDT
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 23, 2018
And, fans were incredibly grateful.
No acquisition, no draft pick, no game has ever made me prouder to be a fan of the @nyjets
— Chris (@thecajmathews) May 23, 2018
I love this man so much, that’s my teams owner right there.
— Feel Jack Son (@Dreamville_Heat) May 23, 2018
That’s the right way to do it
— The American Dream (@thetruthlivez) May 23, 2018
At least there’s one organization that is thinking logically. Good Job ??
— Billz von Doom (@BillzVonDoom) May 23, 2018
Thank you, Mr Johnson. My first thought, upon hearing of the fine, was that the only courageous men in the NFL were the players, the rest obviously cower before the tyrant/bully in the WH. My faith has been restored by your example of morality and integrity.
— ₵₳ⱤØⱠł₦Ɇ Ⱡ₳₵ⱤØ₴₴Ɇ (@CarolineLaCros1) May 23, 2018
Great leadership from Johnson. Now let’s go win some games #jetup
— Danny Toy (@NYDannyToy) May 23, 2018
You sir are a leader.
— Sean Valadez (@seanjvm) May 23, 2018
You got yourself a new fan! ??? pic.twitter.com/xfdn97EjIR
— Ras Don (@archuzz3000) May 23, 2018
Now that’s a ceo
— ?KING QAAIM? (@THE_MACHO_MANE) May 23, 2018
Men, the rest of the world as far as not being racists wished HE would the president of your country He makes me feel PROUD to be part of JETs nation EVEN MORE!!! Go Gang Green!!! ?
BR from JETS nation subdepartment Germany
— Luna Staernberger (@LunaSunnyStar7) May 23, 2018
Thank you for taking this stance! Proud to be a fan.
— James Masi (@Masiker31) May 23, 2018
Thanks for standing up to the bullshit !
— Caldwell Linker (@CaldwellLinker) May 23, 2018
— Weez (@WeezMichael) May 23, 2018
Thank you. I haven't been a Jets fan for a long time, since Broadway Joe. Well, I am now a Jets fan again.
— Holly Kim Wilson (@Holkie) May 23, 2018
Keep that dialogue going with everyone in the organization. Social injustices are here and present and it is important to have the open dialogue, because, unfortunately, it is everyday life and needs to be talked about.
— Alison Hickey (@alisonhickey02) May 23, 2018