Robert Saleh’s decision to wear a Lebanese flag reportedly played no role in the Jets’ shocking decision to fire the head coach.
Saleh, whose parents are from the Middle Eastern country, wore the flag on his New York uniform during the Jets’ loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
It came as bombing continued on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah raged.
Saleh wore a similar patch last month (and last season), but his gesture sparked widespread 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 a Lebanese flag was reportedly not the reason the Jets fired him.
Saleh was born in Dearborn, Michigan, but the former Jets coach is of Lebanese descent.
But, according to TMZSaleh’s show of support for Lebanon was not a factor in the decision.
This despite speculation – especially from radio host Joe Benigno – that Saleh’s wardrobe choice pushed him toward 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 the UK, is “a former Trump administration official who has been accused of making racially charged comments.” The council also expressed concern over reports that Saleh was escorted out of the building by security personnel.
“The report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh out of the building raises concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility, especially given that Saleh was wearing a Lebanese flag pin at a game just a few days ago,” reads a statement.
Aaron Rodgers praised Robert Saleh after his shocking firing as Jets coach
Saleh’s relationship with star Rodgers had been under the microscope before his firing.
“We encourage the Jets to fully explain the unusually hostile treatment of Coach Saleh,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, earlier Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers was forced to deny allegations that he played a role in Saleh’s ouster, calling them “patently false.”
The 40-year-old quarterback he heaped praise on the coach, saying The Pat McAfee Show: “Yesterday was a day that reminds us of the simple fact that all of us who play the game know very well… and that is that it is a difficult business,” Rodgers said.
“I love Coach Saleh, we have a very strong relationship since I met him in 2021. He was a big reason I came to the Jets.”
On the “ridiculous” accusations that he instigated the firing, Rodgers fumed: “Any of those accusations bother me and they are patently false.” It’s interesting how much power people think I have, but I don’t.