CLEVELAND — On Sunday, Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam held a Zoom conference with reporters to help mark the start of training camp.
The two talked about the Browns response to COVID-19 and how they are preparing for some fans, or perhaps no fans at games this fall. They were also asked about Baker Mayfield's recent comments that he plans to kneel in support of racial justice during the playing of the national anthem.
“One of the great things about this country, one of the many great things, is the ability to have freedom of speech and being able to express yourself so we are going support our players," Jimmy Haslam stated.
"That is what makes our country great is we can be different, have different beliefs and be respectful about that," Dee Haslam added. "Somewhere along the line, we completely lost that respect, and the civil discourse, [the respect] is gone. Hopefully, we can get that back, and maybe we can be an example of that."
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Here's what you had to say on social media following the comments by the Haslams. Let's check Twitter first.
Before we see what you had to say on Facebook, here's what the Haslams had to say when they were asked about possible negative fallout from their support of players kneeling.
“We are [prepared]. I think one of the unfortunate things in the country today is that there is not enough thoughtful dialogue like, ‘Baker, tell me why you think it is important.’ Or if so-and-so is not kneeling, ‘Tell me why you are not kneeling.’ There is just all of this condemnation from one side versus the other, rather than everybody trying to understand, ‘Well, why is that important to you, Baker? You are a thoughtful young man. You understand the ramifications.’ We are going to be fully supportive of our players, no matter what they decide to do. We just ask that as a country we have a lot more thoughtful dialogue," said Jimmy Haslam.
"It is listening to each other and learning from each other. I know Andrew Berry launched the #BeTheSolution campaign, and the biggest part of that was to listen and learn – listen to each other instead of just throwing somebody under the bus for not wanting to believe the way you want to, added Dee Haslam.
Here are some of the more than 1,200 comments we received on Facebook.
Jessica Alldredge - "That’s awesome, but heaven forbid the NFL, or the Browns stand up against domestic abuse. If you want respect from the fans stand up for all not just some."
Bryan Pfeiffer - "Thanks for freeing up my Sundays. I will not watch someone disrespect my country and it’s flag. Grow up and play the sport."
Aleksandra Vojteh - "First amendment of United States Constitution and I support."
Buddy Sheppard - "I won't be watching. Browns fan for over 50 years. It's over hope your happy with no fans."
Carrie Chance - "I still support them 100%. There is nothing disrespectful about a silent, peaceful protest against police brutality and systemic racism. Those who are turning in their season tickets.....good. we don't want to be around your bigotry and/or ignorance anyway. Bye."
Tony Radca - "Don't care, lets fight this virus and start playing football."
Hurst Velasco - "They won’t be thinking the same way when America won’t watch or spend any money on the NFL. Then you will see change! Americans do control what happens on the field!"