When the national anthem plays at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 9, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will be standing on the sidelines with his teammates. Prescott told ESPN.com's Todd Archer last month, "I never protest during the anthem, and I don't think that's the time or the venue to do so."
Prescott received some criticism for his comments, including an IG message from The Game that read, "C**Ngratulations @_4dak. Might as well throw on that MAGA hat."
On Sunday, Prescott stood by his comments. According to Sports Illustrated the QB said, "I made my statements. I stand by what I said. Some people might have misunderstood or whatever, but I know what I said, and I feel strongly about what I said. It is what it is. When I made my statements on the anthem, I knew there would be backlash. No surprises."
On the other hand, Prescott has also been praised for his stance, specifically by team owner, Jerry Jones. When asked about Prescott's comments by TMZ Sports, Jones said, "I'm so proud of him, just proud of him the way he leads the team," Jones said. "For not letting it mess with their practices." Of course, Jones fully expects every member of the Cowboys to be standing on the sideline while the national anthem plays.
Last month, Jones spoke with reporters at his annual news conference in Oxford, California to open training camp, and was asked if he would support players staying in the locker room during the national anthem. He responded, "No," explaining, "Our policy is that you stand at the anthem, toe on the line."
The Cowboys will open up the 2018 season on the road against the Carolina Panthers on September 9.