Dolphins owner Ross: Comments on standing for anthem 'misconstrued'

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered a public statement regarding comments he made Monday about player protests during the national anthem.

Ross had told Christian Red of the Daily News that all Dolphins players "will be standing" for the anthem in 2018. Ross now says those words were "misconstrued."

"I have no intention of forcing our players to stand during the anthem and I regret that my comments have been misconstrued," Ross said in a statement circulated to Miami media, via Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. "I've shared my opinion with all our players: I'm passionate about the cause of social justice and I feel that kneeling is an ineffective tactic that alienates more people than it enlists.

"I know our players care about the military and law enforcement too because I've seen the same players who are fighting for social justice engaging positively with law enforcement and the military. I care passionately that the message of social justice resonates far and wide and I will continue to support and fund efforts for those who fight for equality for all."