Is Jerry Jones’ anthem stance legal?
Here’s what labor lawyers say
Jerry Jones is free to bench his players if, in his mind, they “disrespect the flag” during the national anthem, according to legal experts.
The Dallas Cowboys owner announced his intention to bench players after Sunday’s loss against the Green Bay Packers. Jones became the first NFL owner to publicly state an organizational policy that includes discipline if players protest during the national anthem.
Dallas-based labor lawyer Rogge Dunn of Rogge Dunn Group: “Jones can do what he wants. Private employers always have the right to control the language and the speech, just like they can impose a dress code and ethical performance obligations. In other words, if you get arrested for DUI or arrested for a crime even though you weren’t at work and it had nothing to do with work, an employer can fire you.”