Robert Saleh’s decision to carry the flag of Lebanon played no role in the Jets’ shock call to fire the head coach, reports indicate.
Saleh, whose parents are from the Middle East, wore the flag on his New York uniform during the Jets’ loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
It came as the bombing of the Lebanese capital Beirut continued and a conflict raged between Israel and Hezbollah.
Saleh wore a similar emblem last month (and last season), but his gesture sparked major controversy. The Jets faced the Vikings a day before the anniversary of the attacks on Israel on October 7.
Fans were divided over the flag patch, and two days later, Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed he had fired the head coach.
Robert Saleh’s decision to wear the flag of Lebanon was reportedly not the reason why the Jets fired him
Saleh was born in Dearborn, Michigan, but the former Jets coach has Lebanese descent
But according to TMZSaleh’s expression of support for Lebanon played no role in the decision.
That’s despite speculation – particularly from radio personality Joe Benigno – about it Saleh’s choice of clothing pushed him towards the exit door.
Meanwhile, CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, has demanded answers about whether the flag was used against Saleh.
In a statement, CAIR was quick to point out that Johnson – a former US ambassador to Britain – “is a former Trump administration official accused of making racially charged comments.” The council also expressed concern over reports that Saleh was escorted from the building by security.
“The report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh from the building raises concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility, especially considering that Saleh wore a Lebanese flag pin at a match a few days ago,” a statement said .
Aaron Rodgers praised Robert Saleh following his shocking firing as Jets coach
Saleh’s relationship with star Rodgers was under scrutiny before his dismissal
“We encourage the Jets to thoroughly explain the unusually hostile reported treatment of Coach Saleh,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers was forced to deny allegations that he played a role in Saleh’s departure, labeling them as ‘patently false’.
The 40-year-old quarterback a lot of praise for the coach, very telling the Pat McAfee Show: “Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who have played know all too well… and that it’s a tough thing,” Rodgers said.
“I love coach Saleh, we have a very solid relationship that we had since I met him in 2021. He was a big reason why I came to the Jets.”
Addressing the “ridiculous” accusations that he instigated the firing, Rodgers fumed: “I hate all those accusations, and they are patently false. It’s interesting how much power people think I have, when I don’t.’
