'Cowards!' Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo: Bills Support Coach Sean McDermott After 9/11 Controversy

'Cowards!' Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo: Bills Support Coach Sean McDermott After 9/11 Controversy

FRISCO - The Buffalo Bills backed head coach Sean McDermott last week on the field and in the locker room after a report broke claiming that in a 2019 pep talk to the team, he used the 9/11 terrorist attacks as an example of teamwork.

That story was released on the eve of the Bills' game at Kansas City, an outing won by Buffalo. It was referenced in the postgame locker room often, assorted players making it clear they "have coach's back.''

And one veteran, Ed Oliver, took that a step beyond, calling whichever teammates leaked the story "cowards.''

"I think that's a bunch of (bleep),'' Oliver said. "Whoever leaked it, I think you're a coward. ... I got (McDermott's) back on everything. I know he's a good guy. I know he's a great guy, actually.''

Added QB Josh Allen: 

McDermott, who has his team at 7-6 as they play host to the 10-3 Dallas Cowboys this week, has apologized for his 9/11 embarrassment while also labeling the story "hurtful'' and "an attack.''

'It was clearly, to me, an attack on my character, and that's important to me, as much - if not more - than wins and losses,'' McDermott said of the report. "What's important to me, from Day 1, is how you handle yourself. It doesn't mean I've been perfect. It doesn't mean I haven't been without flaw. But what's most important to myself, my family and kids, is that I handle this job the right way.''

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After the end of McDermott's postgame comments, Bills general manager Brandon Beane spoke up to reaffirm the players' sentiments.

"Hey, we've got this man's back,'' Beane said. "Tough (bleeping) week.''