BEREA, Ohio _ Browns coach Hue Jackson responded Thursday to criticism he received for his comments earlier this week about national anthem protests.
Jackson said Monday he hoped none of his players would protest by sitting or kneeling during the national anthem before upcoming games.
Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, a Fox Sports 1 analyst, called Jackson a "clown," saying Tuesday on Undisputed the coach is selling out and letting down the black community.
Jackson declined to comment on Sharpe but revisited his own remarks from three days earlier. Jackson read from a prepared statement he said he had been carrying with him for two days.
"There are issues in our country right now that are far bigger than football," Jackson said Thursday after the final practice of training camp. "I understand that and I respect that as well. The issues do impact our players and will compel them to react in many different ways.
"My personal feelings are that over the last season, we've seen players come under unfair scrutiny for protesting during the anthem, mainly because the focus has become on whether or not a player is being disrespectful to the flag or military and not on the issue and cause attempting to be addressed by the protest.
"The intent of my comments was not to discourage individual expression from our players in light of a cause that moves them to personal expression. I'm disheartened that I gave anyone that impression because I did not speak with enough clarity.
"However, my words did reflect my concern that I would express to any player about protesting during the anthem. There are many effective ways athletes can utilize their platform if they so desire, but I would respect any individual decision as ultimately it would be the player's choice after much thoughtful dialogue."
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the anthem last season to protest police brutality against people of color, and other players joined him.
This preseason, Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch and Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett have sat during the anthem, with Bennett explaining a white nationalist rally this past weekend in Charlottesville, Va., played a role in his decision.
It's unknown whether a Browns player will protest next week before the second preseason game on Monday Night Football. Browns cornerback Joe Haden said he wouldn't participate in any such protest and wasn't aware of any teammates who planned to do so.
On Monday Jackson said, "I think everybody has a right to do, and I get it, but the national anthem means a lot to myself personally, the organization and our football team. I hope _ again I can't speak, I haven't really talked to our team about it _ I would hope that we don't have those issues.
"I understand there is a lot going on in the world. I like to just keep it here. What we deal with, we try to deal with as a team in our closed environment. We talk about things. Hopefully, that won't happen. I can't tell you it won't happen, but I just know our guys, and I don't think that is where our focus is. We hope the things that are going on in the world get ironed out, but I know right now we are doing everything we can to get our football team better."
Sharpe took exception.
"Does Hue Jackson think because he coaches in the National Football League that he's insulated from what's going on the world?" Sharpe said Tuesday. "I get it, Hue. You don't want to try to help fix the problem. But why are you trying to deter your players from at least handing me a wrench so I can help fix the problem?
"I wish I was in the barbershop. I wish I was behind closed doors 'cause I could tell Hue Jackson what I actually really think about him. ... He knows what I'm thinking. Everybody knows what I'm thinking and what I really want to call him."
Haden said he believes Sharpe misunderstood Jackson. Haden said the main point Jackson has made to players is he wants to be notified ahead of time if they plan to protest.
"He's not saying he doesn't want [players] to do it," Haden said. "He just doesn't want to be surprised at a game."
Jackson said he wouldn't discuss Sharpe's comments because "Shannon has the right to say whatever he wants to."
"I think some things were taken the wrong way," Jackson said. "But at the same time, I get everybody has an opinion. But my players know how I feel, and how I react and how I respond to what they're trying to accomplish."
Speaking during a fan forum earlier Thursday at Browns headquarters, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called for protest to "evolve to progress" and urged players to become involved in their communities and create dialogue.
"Whether it's law enforcement, first responders or our military, we think it's great to pay tribute to them, and we will and we always will do that," Goodell said. "But we also believe that our players and our clubs can also help make a difference in the communities."
