This Dallas Cowboys legend gave his take on the discussion regarding the national anthem.
Former running back Emmett Smith was asked by reporters what he would do in regards to players standing or kneeling during the anthem.
Smith did not say he would take a knee but he strongly suggested that it would probably be the case from his actions. Smith acknowledged that he has been a victim of social injustice and would like to make a stand.
Smith recalled a time where he defended the Cowboys logo at midfield from Terrell Owens.
“Yeah, I think I would do something, just as much as I ran out there and defended that star when T.O. did what he did,” Smith said, via the Star-Telegram. “Why not? If I can defend the star, I definitely can defend the right for everybody to have equal justice.”
Smith explained his reasoning that he could take a stand for social justice.
“If I can defend the star, I can take a stand for social justice,” Smith said, via the Star-Telegram. “I have been a victim of it. It’s not like I am talking because something happened to George Floyd. Something happened to me more than one time, a couple of times it happened right here in Dallas. I’m talking from experience, not something I read in a book and saw on CNN.”
Smith later criticised owner Jerry Jones for taking the stance of making players stand for the anthem. Cowboys defensive lineman Dontari Poe was the only member of the team to kneel during Week 1.
Smith said that Jones “needs to cut it out” and that you “don’t distort the message because of the flag,” calling the movement “bigger than the flag.”