New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh's firing linked to pro-Lebanon stance amid Israel war, alleges UFC champion Belal Muhammad
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad implied that New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh's mid-season firing was a punishment for showing support for Lebanon. Saleh had sparked a controversy by wearing a Lebanon flag on his arm for Sunday's game.
ESPN broke the news of Saleh's firing and shared the post on its official X handle. Muhammad responded:
"Days after wearing a Lebanon patch. Smh."
Muhammad is one of the most prominent UFC fighters with Palestinian roots. The 36-year-old has often used the public platform to share his thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies and the actions of its armed forces.
Saleh's firing came as a surprise when New York Jets owner Woody Johnson announced that he was removed from the position after the team's 2-3 start to the NFL season. In his statement, Johnson said:
"This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets. I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward. 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." [H/T ESPN]
New York Jets hired Saleh as the team's head coach in 2021. Under his guidance, the team went 20-36. After Saleh's firing, Jeff Ulbrich will be the interim head coach.
Jay Glazer reveals Robert Saleh was "blindsided" by New York Jets owner
Robert Saleh's firing sent shockwaves through the NFL world and many seem to be confused with the sudden decision. Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer recently took to X and shared what Saleh told him about the incident:
"Just talked to Robert Saleh who said was blindsided by Woody Johnson walking to his office and letting him go. Certainly disappointed he wasn’t going to be given the opportunity to get things going with what he said is a very good roster."