By TIM DANIELS
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green called comments made by Houston Texans owner Bob McNair “Donald Sterling-esque,” referencing the former Los Angeles Clippers owner who was banned for life by the NBA for racist remarks.
On Friday, Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. of ESPN.com reported McNair said “We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” during a meeting about national anthem protests. He later released a statement of apology.
Green posted a response to the initial comments on Instagram:
“Wow! This sure does sound very Donald Sterling-esque. But I’m sure the fans pay to see him play and he’s putting himself at risk of CTE by going out there every Sunday and giving 110 percent! Inmates? For starters, let’s stop using the word owner and maybe use the word Chairman. To be owned by someone just sets a bad precedent to start. It’s sets the wrong tone. It gives one the wrong mindset. Webster states that an inmate is a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital. Not sure these tax paying men should be referred to as inmates- but what do I know?”
Other athletes have also spoken out about McNair’s choice of words from the private meeting.
“He gotta go,” longtime NFL running back Reggie Bush said.
“Remember we only hold our players (I meant prisoners) to a higher standard then the ones in charge!!” Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews tweeted.
New York Giants defensive lineman Damon Harrison also passed along his thoughts on social media:
Nahhh Bob McNair didn’t say that…nah y’all tripping. He couldn’t have. Nope he didn’t. Did that wake some of y’all up now?
Meanwhile, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman felt the remarks were revealing:
I can appreciate ppl being candid. Don’t apologize! You meant what you said. Showing true colors allows ppl to see you for who you are.
Devi Brown, wife of Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown, also reacted to the comments:
My husband has put his BODY & MIND on the line for your team for 10 YRS & to you he is an “inmate”. You owe these players RESPECT & support https://twitter.com/shaunking/status/923897898391298048 …
“I think the comments were disrespectful and ignorant,” Duane Brown added, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Texas wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ absence from Friday’s practice was “related” to McNair’s remarks. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop noted other members of the Houston roster wanted to leave the facility but were persuaded to stay.
The issue of protests has been brought back in the spotlight over the past month after President Donald Trump suggested NFL owners should fire players who don’t stand for the anthem.
