Questions arise regarding Jets’ firing of Robert Saleh amid Lebanese flag controversy

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling for clarity from the New York Jets after the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, following reports that he was escorted out of the team’s facility by security. Saleh, the first Muslim head coach in NFL history and of Lebanese descent, was fired just days after wearing a pin displaying the Lebanese flag during a game in London.

Saleh’s decision to wear the flag came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon and Gaza. The timing of the firing, along with Saleh’s display of the Lebanese flag, has sparked questions, particularly given the NFL’s Heritage Program, which encourages coaches and players to honor their heritage by wearing national flags.

CAIR’s statement on Tuesday highlighted concerns about the potential reasons behind Saleh’s dismissal. “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,” the organization stated.

Saleh wore the Lebanese flag pin during the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. The flag was part of the NFL’s initiative that allows participants to wear flags of their countries of heritage on their gear throughout the season. However, Saleh’s decision drew significant attention given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with some social media users criticizing the coach for wearing the flag.

The firing of Saleh, who led the Jets for three seasons without securing a playoff appearance, has been seen by some as routine in the high-pressure world of professional sports. However, the fact that Saleh was reportedly escorted from the team’s facility by security has raised eyebrows, especially in light of the flag controversy.

Joe Benigno, a New York sports radio host, weighed in on the matter, saying that he “couldn’t help but get political” about Saleh’s dismissal. “Saleh had the flag of Lebanon on his shirt the other day in London… I wonder if that has played into this in a way as well,” Benigno remarked during an appearance on The Jake Asman Show.