DALLAS – 
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is receiving some backlash in response to comments he made threatening to bench players who decided to kneel during the National Anthem.
ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” host Michael Wilbon compared Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to a slave owner.
During a discussion with co-host Tony Kornheiser over whether players like quarterback Dak Prescott or wideout Dez Bryant would be punished for participating in the protest, Wilbon argued in favor of Jones’ actions.
“I believe he has the right to do that as an employer,” said Korneiser.
Wilbon stood his ground and continued to denounce Jones.
“The word that comes to mind, and I don’t care who doesn’t like me using it, is ‘plantation’,” he said. “The players are here to serve me, they will do what I want no matter how much I pay them. They are not equal to me. That’s what this says to me and mine,” he said.
ESPN has not yet commented on Wilson’s remarks.
Jones comments drew praise and criticism on a local and national level.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price said he is not surprised by Jones’ comments.
He told the Dallas Morning News, “What the players are saying, in some uniform position, is they can see. So, Jerry issues an order that says slaves obey your master.”
The Cowboys will play the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday, October 22nd.
