NFL players' peaceful protest of the National Anthem, which began with former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the 2016 preseason, became one of the most frequent talking points during a highly politicized 2017-18 season. Numerous players across the league took a knee as the Anthem played prior to each game.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, 77, has waffled on his opinion of the protests. On Monday, he said he expects all Dolphins players to stand during the Anthem next season.
"All of our players will be standing," Ross told the New York Daily News.
The newspaper spoke with Ross in NYC, where the Jackie Robinson Foundation honored him with its ROBIE Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Initially, I totally supported the players in what they were doing," Ross said. "It's America and people should be able to really speak about their choices."
He added that his perspective changed when he felt it became a protest against the U.S. or the military:
Ross, however, walked back his comments Tuesday morning. He issued a statement and said his comments were misconstrued.
Numerous Dolphins players—including Kenny Stills, Julius Thomas, Michael Thomas, Arian Foster, Laremy Tunsil, Jay Ajayi, Maurice Smith, Jelani Jenkins, and Jordan Phillips—have taken a knee during the Anthem.