Texans: DeAndre Hopkins skips practice after owner’s comments
Houston Texans star DeAndre Hopkins did not report on Friday
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was absent from practice Friday following an insensitive statement made by his team’s owner. according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In a closed door meeting with fellow NFL owners and league executives on Oct. 18 Texans owner Bob McNair said “We can’t have the inmates running the prison” regarding to players kneeling during the national anthem.
NFL executive Troy Vincent, an African-American and former NFL player, was present in the meeting and took great offense to McNair’s comments.
McNair issued a statement after his comments became public offering his apologies to those who had been offended.
"“I regret that I used that expression,” McNair said in a statement. “I never meant to offend anyone and I was not referring to our players. I used a figure of speech that was never intended to be taken literally. I would never characterize our players or our league that way and I apologize to anyone who was offended by it.”"
Hopkins was not the only Texans player who considered not appearing for practice after learning of McNair’s comments. Veteran left tackle Duane Brown told reporters that some players discussed a walkout after hearing McNair’s comments. Brown said he was “sickened” and “very upset” after hearing what the 79-year-old had to say.
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It’s unclear whether more players plan to protest on Sunday following McNair’s comments, which came after a reportedly productive meeting between select owners, players, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Bills owner Terry Pegula, who was present at both meetings, also created some unrest after continually calling retired Bills receiver Anquan Boldin “Antwan” in the players meeting, and saying that Boldin should be the face of the issue because he is black.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft: What if Sam Darnold Doesn't Declare?
The Texans travel to Seattle for a Sunday afternoon game against the Seahawks. It’s not yet known if McNair will accompany the team up north.