During a radio appearance on Friday, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was given the opportunity to respond to recent comments from LeBron James, the star player of the Los Angeles Lakers, regarding his appearance in a 1957 photo outside Little Rock Central High School, where black students attempted to integrate.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Jones’ response solely commended James and failed to acknowledge the concerns raised by the NBA superstar when explicitly questioned about his awareness of James’ remarks and his desire to have a meeting with him.

When asked what he would say if he had not heard any further thoughts from Jones, the 37-year-old forward did not elaborate. James, the 80-year-old, added, “I don’t know anybody who has more respect than he does. He has made the end tight and great.”

Last month, Sally Jenkins and David Maraniss of The Washington Post wrote an in-depth profile of Jerry Jones as part of the Black Out series, highlighting the lack of diversity among the head coaches in the NFL. The profile detailed how six Black students from Little Rock, Arkansas, who were attempting to enroll in a predominantly white high school, stood outside as native Arkansans.

After the Brooklyn Nets’ victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, Irving Kyrie, the point guard, expressed his belief that the media’s coverage of the photo published by Jones comparing the situation surrounding him to James was a standard double in his post-game press conference, when questioned by reporters.

“I was wondering why I haven’t received a question from you guys about James. I was thinking about it when I was on my way here, before you guys left. I haven’t received a question about the photo of Jerry Jones yet, but I was wondering why I haven’t gotten a question about it. Also, I was wondering why you guys were asking questions so quickly when Kyrie Irving was the main topic.”

During that period, James, along with other NBA superstars, was also requested to share their opinions on the issue. Irving had previously faced suspension in the same year due to his endorsement of a film with antisemitic content and his reluctance to disavow the associated ideologies.

Jones spoke about his presence in the photograph last week, clarifying that he did not actively participate in the 1957 demonstration against Black students.

Jones said, “I would like to remind you that we cannot do everything, so please continue to remind me. I am glad that we are still going strong after such a long time.” I didn’t know that the event at that time was truly monumental.

“I was just kind of disappointed that I haven’t received the question you guys asked. And it seems like we just move on, OK? But I get it, we all make mistakes. And years and years ago, I was saying, I know, I raised the issue with the lack of attention the photo garnered, James.”

While James acknowledged that he heard comments, Jones recognized his inability to respond to the main concerns he expressed, as many people will likely not sit well with it.