By Jason Lieser
The Palm Beach Post
DAVIE, Fla. — The head of the local sheriff’s union in Broward County released a statement today asking his members to decline any security detail that involves the Miami Dolphins in response to the four players who knelt during the national anthem last weekend.
Jeff Bell, president of Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association Local I.U.P.A 6020, said he called for the refusal because of demand from his executive board and members.
“It was driven by the union leadership because we’ve had many requests to make a statement about the disrespect during the anthem,” Bell said by phone today.
The union left the issue alone until now because the Dolphins hadn’t been involved in it. San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat on the bench for the anthem in a preseason game, and the protests have spread around the league.
Miami’s Arian Foster, Kenny Stills, Jelani Jenkins and Michael Thomas demonstrated at the season opener in Seattle, and owner Steven Ross said afterward he was in full support of what they did.
Now that the Dolphins are involved, the union wants to disassociate itself.
“I can not fathom why the Miami Dolphin organization and the NFL would allow the blatant disrespect of the American Flag and what it stands for during the national anthem,” Bell wrote in the letter that went out to his membership. “It is a privilege to play in the NFL, not a given constitutional right. The Miami Dolphin players, staff and family members enjoy full police escorts from the Broward Sheriff’s Office on a regular basis. These escorts often involve putting the men and women of law enforcement agencies at risk as they block intersections during peak traffic times in order to expedite the travel time between facilities.
“We have buried coworkers who have unnecessarily lost their lives protecting the lives of individuals. Some law enforcement officers even lost their lives while protecting the lives of the very same individuals who were protesting against law enforcement. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies Association Local 6020 is seeking the immediate termination of all Miami Dolphin escorts until such time the Miami Dolphins and the National Football League set forth a policy that will not tolerate the disrespect of the American Flag and National Anthem during any sanctioned games or events.”
Bell closed by asking all members of law enforcement to turn down any assignment associated with the Miami Dolphins unless under orders.
The Dolphins did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Bell’s letter.
An objection to the handling of police-related violence has been a major theme in the protests since Kaepernick’s initial demonstration. The Miami players, though, repeatedly said their action was not intended to be an insult toward law enforcement or military.
“Most important, man, I just want equal rights for everybody,” Jenkins said Sunday. “Hopefully we’re raising awareness and pushing for change. I want it to be known that it’s no disrespect to the military or to police officers. And 9/11, I respect everything about it. My perspective is that there are people hurting. It means a lot to me to not be quiet about it.”
Jenkins decided this week that he will no longer kneel for the anthem, feeling he has made his point and furthered the conversation. Thomas said Thursday he was unsure of his plans.