NFL fans say this is the real reason New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was fired

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was fired Tuesday following a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. While some fans speculate that his dismissal may be linked to a political statement he made during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, the situation is more complex.

Expectations were high for the Jets this season, especially with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning after an injury last year. However, Saleh’s firing raised eyebrows, particularly among commentators like ex-NFL player Shannon Sharpe, who suggested that Rodgers might have influenced the decision.

The controversy stems from an incident during Sunday’s game in London, where Saleh wore a Lebanese flag decal on his shoulder. This was during a time of conflict when Israeli forces were attacking Lebanon. Saleh, who is Lebanese-American, had previously worn the decal at NFL-sanctioned events, but the recent escalation in violence led to speculation about the political implications of his choice, especially given Jets owner Woody Johnson’s known political affiliations and controversial statements.

Johnson, a supporter of former President Trump, has faced criticism in the past for remarks that include inappropriate comments about job candidates and racial issues. While there’s no concrete evidence tying Saleh’s firing directly to the decal, some believe Johnson’s history suggests it’s a possibility.

Saleh, who had a 20-36 record as the Jets’ head coach, was reportedly blindsided by the decision. Johnson emphasized that the move was his alone, stating that he felt a change was necessary to move forward and improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs.

As for Aaron Rodgers, speculation about his involvement in Saleh’s firing has circulated. Sharpe and others argue that Rodgers’ subpar performance and his previous decision to miss a mandatory minicamp could have contributed to Saleh’s loss of control over the team. However, Rodgers denied any influence on the decision during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, expressing his respect for Saleh and downplaying claims about his power within the organization.