Former Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh Seen Shopping Amid Lebanese Flag Pin Controversy

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
17/10/2024 22h27

**Former Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh Spotted Post-Firing Amid Controversy**

Robert Saleh, recently let go from his position as the head coach of the New York Jets, was seen publicly for the first time since his dismissal. Saleh was captured on video shopping at a Whole Foods in northern New Jersey, with footage obtained by TMZ.

During the filmed encounter, Saleh was approached and asked about potential reasons for his abrupt termination, particularly regarding the Lebanese flag pin he wore during his last game as head coach. The pin had been a visible accessory on his jacket during the Jets' loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on October 6. Just two days later, Jets Chairman Woody Johnson issued a statement confirming the decision to fire Saleh, stating, "This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction."

Saleh, who made history as the first Muslim head coach in the NFL, is of Lebanese descent and has been vocal about his heritage. Both of Saleh's parents were born in Lebanon and immigrated to the U.S. before his birth in 1979. His choice to wear the Lebanese flag pin came amidst recent conflicts involving Israel and Lebanon, adding layers to the public speculation about his firing.

The controversy deepened when the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement calling on the Jets organization and Chairman Johnson to address reports that Saleh was escorted out by security following his dismissal. CAIR highlighted the suspicious timing, pointing out that Saleh was let go just days after sporting the Lebanese flag pin. "We commend coach Robert Saleh for making history as the first American Muslim head coach in NFL history. Although no one should jump to conclusions about why the Jets fired Coach Saleh, the report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh out of the building does raise concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility," the statement noted.

Fox News Digital attempted to obtain comments from the Jets regarding CAIR's statement but received no response. Saleh, however, issued his own statement expressing gratitude for his time with the Jets. "To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive," he said to ESPN. "To the most passionate fan base in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here."

As the narrative unfolds, the actual reasons behind Saleh's early-season firing remain a topic of active discussion within the sports community and beyond.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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