NFL Owner Reveals His True Colors

At a closed-door meeting of NFL owners earlier this month, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair said of players protesting racial inequality, “We can’t have the inmates running the prison.”

McNair’s comments stunned many in the room.  Troy Vincent, a retired NFL player who is now a league executive, told those in the meeting he’d been called all manner of slurs when he was a player, but he never felt like an “inmate.”

For many veteran NFL players, the incident calls to mind the infamous exchange between Dallas Cowboys president Tex Schramm and Gene Upshaw during an early NFL labor battle, in which Schramm said "You guys are cattle, and we're the ranchers.  And ranchers can always get more cattle."

The NFL Players Coalition released a statement , saying in part:

Many players have been deeply troubled by the disturbing comments made by Texans' owner Bob McNair.  It is ironic that such a quote would lemerge in the midst of an ongoing struggle to highlight injustices suffered by people of color, including our nation's deeply flawed approach to criminal justice and inhumane treatment of imprisoned people.

As long as the prevailing reality of our league includes a culture where owners feel such behavior and language is permissible, our cause will continue to be stifled and progress will remain elusive.  This isn't about being a player or a club owner-- but basic human decency.

After the comments began stirring controversy on social media, the  team released a statement in which McNair said his comments were 'a figure of a speech.'  “I never meant to offend anyone and I was not referring to our players,” the statement reads. “I could never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it.”

The controversy continues to grow, however.  Houston wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins walked out of practice on Friday in protest.   Offensive lineman Duane Brown, who was 'sickened' by the 'horrible' comments but was not surprised, according to the Houston Chronicle.

On Twitter, Brown's wife Devo added: '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.'

'I don’t believe he is the only owner that feel that way,' added Texans rookie Treston Decoud.

Richard Sherman,of the Seattle Seahawks. added: "Don’t apologize! You meant what you said. Showing true colors allows ppl to see you for who you are."