Stephen A. Smith may not be a big-time Cowboys supporter. But he has the utmost respect for Jerry Jones. The Washington Post’s recently attempted to put Jerry Jones on the radar after 65 years, which dates back to him as a young teen. The ESPN analyst kept his opinion over the controversy, but the NFL world remains in splits.
ESPN’s First Take had Stephen A. Smith talk about the controversy surrounding Jerry Jones. A photo of the Cowboys owner from 1957 is going viral. He was standing behind a group of men blocking the way of Black students at the Arkansas high school.
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Cowboys kingpin got support from Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith mentioned, “I’m pretty pissed off. I’m pissed off but not for reasons people think. I am very fond of Jerry Jones, and I’m not hiding that from anybody. Is his record perfect? No, but I’m pissed off because he doesn’t deserve what just happened. He doesn’t deserve it.”
I’m very fond of Jerry Jones and he doesn’t deserve what just happened to him! pic.twitter.com/XgegwXI5Vh
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) November 25, 2022
However, the NFL Universe stands in a divided stance over Smith’s remarks.
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A user is questioning Smith on how Jerry Jones does not deserve it.
Stephen A. What do you mean, "he doesn't deserve this"? What's the "this"? Is he a victim? What has he lost? You could argue, like you have, that this was a long time ago, but he's not victim. The real victims are the ones in the photo that look like you and me.
— Disco (@discoque5) November 25, 2022
This user came in defense of Smith, saying the cancel culture is disgusting.
Im proud of you @stephenasmith. Jerry has a lot of love from all his former players. This cancel culture is disgusting. You don’t think this photo has been arpund for a long time? Yet they wait till 2022 on Thanksgiving, when they know its a big day for his team to release
— paulo branquinho (@paulobranquinh5) November 25, 2022
Another user backed Smith up, saying he was right.
Bruh.. he right tho 🤦🏾♂️.. Jerry is seen in a photo in the back spectating.. how many fights and stuff u witnessed as a kid? We all used to run towards confrontational events just to be nosey. Some do it still as adults! 🤷🏾♂️
— JayFACTS (@dollar_an) November 25, 2022
Another user claimed the high school coach urged Jones and the team to not take part in it.
Bruh he was a teenager and a football player and the coach asked the entire team to not participate no matter what. Like, lol damn
— Tee Forest (@TeeForest) November 26, 2022
However, this user believes he is not standing in the background.
That isn't so much standing in the background as it is blocking the entrance to the school.
— Mind Riot (@Timmo314) November 26, 2022
This user slammed the ones critiquing Jones.
For those angry at teenage Jerry standing in this photo. What are you going to do about?! Seriously. What constructive thing will you do about this photo to help society? you just gunna complain n be miserable and let it affect your happiness n try to make others feel unhappy too
— Julian (@Jules_the_AIF) November 25, 2022
This user agrees with the ESPN analyst’s take.
I’m black and completely agree with SAS. Even if we dismiss age, what about the photo is incriminating? When was it a crime to be standing as an onlooker? No angry face. No punches. Just looking, like many do today with phones. If that’s all it takes, we’re in a world of trouble. pic.twitter.com/sA38yDQK2N
— Z E E • T H E • C E O (@ZEETHECEO) November 25, 2022
This user is probably aware of what Jones is doing in the photograph.
I think we all know what he was doing there. Lol
— Nene T (@SWsweet78) November 26, 2022
Nevertheless, Jerry Jones has come under the radar yet again.
Jerry Jones responds to a controversial image from the 1957 desegregation protest
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After The Post shared the image from the 1957 protests in Arkansas High, the football universe went into all-out sensationalism. The resurfaced photo showed a 14-year-old Jerry Jones wearing a striped shirt and looking at what was happening. The press surrounded the Cowboys owner, who clarified his existence in the crowd following the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving victory over the New York Giants.
Member of Little Rock 9 reacts to 1957 photo that has #Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in the hot seat.
Jones told reporters he was being a “curious kid” saying “I’ve got a habit of sticking this nose, right place at the wrong time.” @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/geL3yXaEoL— Steven Dial (@StevenDialFox4) November 26, 2022
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As per ESPN, Jones mentioned he was unaware of the memorable event that was taking place at the time. He is confident that we are a long way from that. That would serve as a reminder to Jones to continue doing everything possible to avoid such incidents.
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