HOUSTON (AP) — The chairman and chief executive of the Houston Texans has apologized after a report said he declared "we can't have the inmates running the prison" during a meeting of NFL owners over what to do about players who kneel in protest during the national anthem.
In his statement released Friday, Bob McNair says he regretted using the expression and said he was "not referring to our players."
"I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be taken literally," McNair said. "I would never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it."
The comment was mentioned in an ESPN The Magazine story on two recent days of meetings among owners, players and others to discuss the protests that have drawn the ire of President Donald Trump. Players, following the lead of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, say they kneel to protest social injustices, particularly against African-Americans. Trump has sharply criticized the protests and even called on NFL owners to fire players.
The meetings earlier this month did not result in a policy change that would require players to stand for the anthem.
(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Houston Texans CEO Apologizes Over 'Inmates' Comment
/ CBS Texas
HOUSTON (AP) — The chairman and chief executive of the Houston Texans has apologized after a report said he declared "we can't have the inmates running the prison" during a meeting of NFL owners over what to do about players who kneel in protest during the national anthem.
In his statement released Friday, Bob McNair says he regretted using the expression and said he was "not referring to our players."
"I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be taken literally," McNair said. "I would never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it."
The comment was mentioned in an ESPN The Magazine story on two recent days of meetings among owners, players and others to discuss the protests that have drawn the ire of President Donald Trump. Players, following the lead of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, say they kneel to protest social injustices, particularly against African-Americans. Trump has sharply criticized the protests and even called on NFL owners to fire players.
The meetings earlier this month did not result in a policy change that would require players to stand for the anthem.
(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Texas
Walker homers, Peña gets 600th hit as Astros rout Athletics 11-0
DART board names Gene Gamez interim president and CEO
Looking to head downtown for the Rockies home opener? You have options
Colorado Rockies Home Opener 2026
Tigers place Justin Verlander on 15-day injured list with hip injury
Pirates introduce MLB's top prospect Konnor Griffin ahead of big league debut
Judge halts Trump effort requiring colleges show they don't consider race
Rising diesel prices mean higher costs for Texans far beyond the pump