When it was revealed that Houston Texans owner Bob McNair made some cringe-worthy comments regarding NFL players and protests during the national anthem, there was some immediate backlash online.
It appears that backlash extended into the team’s locker room, too.
According to a report from Pro Football Talk, members of the Texans considered walking out of practice after the comments came to light. Veteran offensive tackle Duane Brown was the player to reveal he and his teammates considered a walkout.
The controversy stems from an ESPN article that reveals McNair said, “we can’t have the inmates running the prison” regarding players’ ability to protest.
“I’m very upset,” Brown said. “It sickened me. It’s horrible. It’s frustrating.”
While the players ultimately decided to continue business as usual, it will be interesting to see how they continue to respond when they face the media after such a divisive comment from the team owner.
It’s an unwanted distraction and one that may have kept star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins away from practice on Friday.
While there is no official word on the circumstances that led to Hopkins missing practice, head coach Bill O’Brien said the wideout took a “personal day” but he expects him to suit up for Sunday’s game against Seattle.
“I would tell you he’ll be here [for the game],” O’Brien said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. “If something changes, we’ll let you know.”
Kickoff between Houston and Seattle is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
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