TAMPA, Fla. _ Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills says he has spoken to team owner Steve Ross, following their social media spat last week, and both have somewhat come to terms with their respective political views.
Stills said he was unsure if Ross was receptive to his point of view, which pointed out the contradictory nature of Ross's initiative to champion social causes like equality, diversity and inclusion despite hosting a fundraising event last week supporting President Donald Trump's reelection.
"Our conversation was short, and we agreed to disagree," Stills said of him and Ross. "We both said there weren't any hard feelings, and our focus is on trying to win games this year."
Just a week ago, Stills called out Ross on Twitter for supporting Trump despite his work in the South Florida community since becoming the Dolphins owner in 2009.
New Dolphins coach Brian Flores said he would have preferred if Stills and Ross had a conversation privately before publicly airing their differences on social media.
While Stills understands a preemptive conversation with Ross would have been professional and could have made a difference last week, Stills still maintains the message he delivered was an important one to deliver.
"I'm still pointing out the contradiction," Stills continued, "and I think that's it at the end of the day."
While Stills is slightly relieved following being thrust into the public spotlight last week, he will continue to raise awareness against social injustices and racial inequality by kneeling during the national anthem before Dolphins games, including Friday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
"I think it's important to understand people can disagree on things, and still move forward," Stills said. "A lot of the things I've talked about are being a human being, being respectful, and really just caring about others, and trying to draw the line in the sand when it comes to hate and divisiveness.
"That's where I draw the line, and I'm trying to encourage other people to do the same."
