Islamic group calls out Jets for firing Robert Saleh after wearing Lebanon pin amid Israel war

Emmanuel Acho reacts to the New York Jets firing HC Robert Saleh after a 20-36 record and 2-3 start this season.

The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a statement on Tuesday addressing the firing of former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. 

CAIR called on the Jets and owner Woody Johnson to explain reports that Saleh was escorted out of the building by security following his firing, and also brought up the fact that Saleh was fired just days after wearing a pin with the Lebanese flag amid ongoing attacks on the nation by Israel. 

Saleh is of Lebanese descent and was the first Muslim head coach in NFL history.

"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—especially given that Saleh wore a Lebanese flag pin at a game just days ago and that owner Woody Johnson is a former Trump administration official who has been accused of making racially charged remarks. We encourage the Jets to thoroughly explain its unusually hostile reported treatment of Coach Saleh," the statement read.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Jets for comment multiple times but has not received a response at the time of publication. 

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Head coach Robert Saleh and Owner Woody Johnson of the New York Jets interact during New York Jets Mandatory Minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 11, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey.   (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Both of Saleh's parents