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Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he won't make players stand for national anthem

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MIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he won't force his players to stand for the national anthem, even though he believes kneeling is an ineffective way to promote social justice.

Ross' comments Tuesday in a statement released by the Dolphins came after the New York Daily News reported he said all of the team's players will stand for the anthem in 2018. Ross was in New York on Monday to be honored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation and receive its ROBIE Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the statement clarifying his position, Ross said he regretted his comments in New York were misconstrued. He said he's passionate about social justice, but believes kneeling during the anthem is an ineffective tactic that alienates more people than it enlists.