'The main thing I regret is apologizing': Texans owner Bob McNair on 'inmates running the prison' comment

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Thursday, April 5, 2018
Texans owner tells WSJ that he regrets apologizing for 'inmates' comment
Texans owner tells WSJ that he regrets apologizing for 'inmates' comment.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Texans owner Bob McNair came under fire last year for comments made during an owners meeting about the NFL having "inmates running the prison."

Quickly after the inflammatory comments, McNair issued an apology.

"I regret that I used that expression. I never meant to offend anyone and I was not referring to our players," McNair said in October.

Now, he's regretting he made the apology.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, McNair told the publication that he doesn't think he did anything wrong.

"The main thing I regret is apologizing," he told WSJ. "I really didn't have anything to apologize for."

Texans owner Bob McNair under fire after comments.

He also reiterated that the "inmates" he was referring to were not the players, but rather league executives.

When asked about McNair's latest comment, many fans voiced their opinions.

"I think he should be held responsible for what he said," said Nay Henderson.

"To say something that controversial and then to take it back," said Vi Simms. "It's still not taking into account anybody's feelings in the matter or that the fact that prisons are primarily populated with players that are of the same color."

Some agreed with McNair.

"I agree with him. It's just a metaphor that somebody uses," said Paul Pinkston.

"I don't think he should have to apologize for anything. He's entitled to his own opinion," added Mark Lankford.

Last week, McNair remained adamant on his stance involving players' demonstrations on social issues during the National Anthem.

"Our playing field is not the place for political statements, not the place for religious statements," McNair said. "It's the place for football."