Jerry Jones is usually quite vocal, but it is worth considering why so many NFL owners have remained quiet about the protests against racism and police brutality. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL safety Louis Riddick criticizes owners for staying silent about protests

By Blake Harper | Last updated 6/8/20

As protests supporting racial equality continue around the nation, former NFL safety Louis Riddick says that the NFL owners have not done enough to make their feelings about the movement clear.

"The owners haven't really made a statement individually and they haven't made a statement collectively about where they stand on this entire process," Riddick said on Get Up this morning. "They are significantly behind..."

Previously, the NFL had taken a hard stance against players kneeling during the national anthem but in light of recent events, the league has seemingly shifted their perspective. Commissioner Roger Goodell released a video admitting that the league was 'wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier.' But Riddick says that the owners should also be voicing their support.

"We know that obviously many of the owners in the National Football League have been major contributors to presidential elections and where they have stood as far as how they feel about players protesting and taking a knee during the national anthem. Have they changed? Have their stances changed?"

"The longer you remain silent, the longer that your credibility comes in to question. ... The authenticity, it's going to be questioned."@LRiddickESPN is still waiting to hear from the NFL owners. pic.twitter.com/qRO210nc8W
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 8, 2020

While teams have released videos showing solidarity with the protests, there has been very little vocal support from the owners. Over the weekend, Dez Bryant said that Jerry Jones, who was perhaps the biggest critic of players kneeling, should have attended a protest in Austin. Riddick believes that if owners wait too long, their motives and 'authenticity' will be questioned.

"Are they willing now to publicly say we now have changed the way we are going to approach this or not? Or are they going to remain silent? Because obviously the longer you remain silent, the longer that your credibility comes in to question... The authenticity, it's going to be questioned."

Will NFL owners begin speaking out in support of players kneeling to protest police brutality? Perhaps but if they don't do it soon, it may seem like they are paying lip service instead of actually being committed to change.

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