NFL Players React to Texans Owner Bob McNair's 'Inmates Running the Prison' Comment

McNair warned league owners to avoid having "inmates running the prison."

At a recent meeting about NFL player protests during the national anthem, Texans owner Robert McNair warned his fellow owners that they needed to avoid letting "inmates running the prison," ESPN's Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. reported.

"We can't have the inmates running the prison," McNair reportedly said at a meeting last week, referring to protesters. 

While McNair did issue an apology Friday for his choice of words, many Houston Texans players were reportedly upset and considered skipping Friday's practice. Several NFL players also did not take kindly to McNair's use of the expression. Here's a look at some of the players who responded to McNair on Twitter. 

Former Houston Texan and current Jacksonville Jaguar wide receiver Jaelen Strong:

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman:

I can appreciate ppl being candid. Don’t apologize! You meant what you said. Showing true colors allows ppl to see you for who you are.

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 27, 2017

I wish more ppl would do that. So the world could ostracize those who don’t want to see EQUALITY. Otherwise they will continue to hide

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 27, 2017

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell:

Inmates???? Wow!!!

— Jody Breeze (@Blafell1) October 27, 2017

Free agent wide receiver and former Houston Texan Cecil Shorts:

That’s how they really feel...

— FILFL (@CecilShortsIII) October 27, 2017

I understand it’s a saying but it’s how he used it But I wouldn’t expect you to understand our lives and experiences differ, but thxs 🙏🏽 https://t.co/kd1QpfPQM1

— FILFL (@CecilShortsIII) October 27, 2017

Inmates, slaves and products. That’s all we are to the owners and others. Not grown men with families, kids, wives, values, and morals.

— FILFL (@CecilShortsIII) October 27, 2017

Your good to them as long as your playing well, healthy and most importantly making money for them

— FILFL (@CecilShortsIII) October 27, 2017

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner:

Former journeyman running back Justin Forsett:

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😳 Whoa this is crazy! https://t.co/RCXmfhNeEN

— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) October 27, 2017

New York Giants defensive tackle Damon Harrison:

Nahhh Bob McNair didn’t say that...nah y’all tripping. He couldn’t have. Nope he didn’t. Did that wake some of y’all up now?

— Billy (@snacks) October 27, 2017

Former tight end Shannon Sharpe:

"Mr. McNair, I'm going to be very respectful of you… but I was deeply offended."@ShannonSharpe responds to Texans owner Bob McNair pic.twitter.com/wTBNYFB9I0

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) October 27, 2017

Former offensive lineman Damien Woody:

NFL can’t get out of its own way I swear 🤦🏾‍♂️

— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) October 27, 2017

Former running back Reggie Bush:

He gotta go https://t.co/hzpsCDe9wb

— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) October 27, 2017

Houston Texans safety Treston Decoud:

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I don’t believe he is the only owner that feel that way... smh

— Treston Decoud (@_TD31) October 27, 2017

Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo:

That's how they really feel huh??? 🤦🏿‍♂️ These words out this man's mouth are infuriating to me and the rest of my brothers in this League https://t.co/o1oQXb5Liz

— Brian Orakpo (@rak98) October 27, 2017

Colin Kaepernick started protesting during the anthem last year to raise awareness of police brutality and racial injustice, and several players ultimately joined him. The protests grew this year after President Trump disparaged NFL protesters during a speech in September, calling them "son of a b----."