The New York Jets are claiming that they fired Robert Saleh because of the team’s poor performance and not because of that Lebanese flag patch he wore on Sunday. Yeah, right! Can they be any more transparent?
I mean, let’s be real here. Saleh was not doing so well as the coach, but to say that his firing had nothing to do with the flag patch is just plain ridiculous. We all know that the Jets were trying to save face and avoid any potential backlash. It’s a shame that they couldn’t just admit the truth and stand by their coach. But hey, what else is new in the world of sports?
Saleh was given a pink slip on Tuesday after Gang Green fell to 2-3 on the season … and shortly after his termination, some talking heads tried to connect it to the fact Saleh sported his family’s heritage on his arm during the team’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings just two days prior.
Those who pushed the claim on social media suggested Saleh wore the patch as a political statement on the unrest in the Middle East … and speculated Jets owner Woody Johnson was so pissed over the stunt, he promptly cut ties with the coach.
But there’s a massive problem with that theory … as Saleh participated in the NFL Heritage Program — which encourages players and coaches to wear decals and patches in honor of their family history — earlier this season and didn’t lose his job.
In fact, Saleh wore the flag for at least two games during the 2023 season, too … in honor of his parents, who were born and raised in Lebanon before moving to the United States.
So the flag was nothing new. Unfortunately for Saleh, the team just needed a change on the sidelines in hopes of salvaging the 2024-25 season.
Well, I have to say, it seems like a pretty weak excuse if you ask me. I mean, sure, Saleh may not have produced the results they were hoping for, but to completely brush off the significance of that flag patch is just plain ignorant. It’s a statement of pride and representation, and to dismiss it as a non-issue is just disrespectful. But hey, what do I know? I’m just a writer who’s tired of seeing the team make questionable decisions.
