Why has CAIR requested an investigation into the Jets’ firing of Robert Saleh?
The Council on American-Islamic Relations believes there may be something sinister behind the dismissal of the Jets coach after he wore a Lebanese flag.
As more details unfold about what led to the unceremonious firing of the New York Jets head coach, it is becoming increasingly clear that some things may not have been above board, but does that include political and racial issues as well?
CAIR doesn’t accept the Jets’ stance on Robert Saleh
If we take a look at the New York Jets and the events of the last few weeks, we’ve seen a whole lot. There was an awkward moment between the now-former coach Robert Saleh and Jets starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Then, a public difference of opinion between the two, with the coach seemingly backtracking on his words shortly after, and most recently on Tuesday, we saw Saleh’s dismissal which in the context of the aforementioned points, was quickly met with speculation that Rodgers had something to do with it because of Saleh’s reported intention to axe offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, a man who maintains a close relationship with Rodgers.
This is all to say, that aside from the Jets concerning record of 2-3 which would in theory be reason to question a coach, the large majority of the aforementioned narratives are speculation, albeit with sound context. That brings us to the most recent development, which is not. According to reports, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has now called for the New York Jets to clarify the circumstances under which head coach Robert Saleh was fired amid reports of the coach being escorted out of the team’s offices by security staff.
As always, context is key and in this case, what’s important to note is that during Saleh’s last game in charge, a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings played in London, England, the 45-year-old was seen wearing the national flag of Lebanon on his sleeve. Again, context is key. Saleh did so as Israel’s latest assault on Lebanon continued, one which has already claimed 2,119 lives while wounding 10,019 others. “Although no one should jump to conclusions about why the Jets fired Coach Saleh, the report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh out of the building does raise concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility - especially given that Saleh wore a Lebanese flag pin at a game just days ago and that owner Woody Johnson is a former Trump administration official who has been accused of making racially charged remarks,” CAIR said in a statement. “We encourage the Jets to thoroughly explain its unusually hostile reported treatment of Coach Saleh.”
To be clear, CAIR’s request does not mean there isn’t a reasonable explanation for all of this but until the Jets provide one, it will increasingly look like what is being suggested is true: A franchise owner who has a history of racially crass statements and operates in a large Jewish community, took issue with a coach who seemingly showed his support for the country from which he originates, a country that is currently at war with Israel. That several reports confirmed that Saleh was not allowed to address the team and was escorted from the building to his car by security, only served to further fan the flames. Robert Saleh was the NFL’s first Muslim coach. As always we can only wait and watch.