Dolphins owner Stephen Ross leaves NFL Social Justice Committee despite violent reactions from Trump support

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross resigned from the NFL Social Justice Committee a few days after the billionaire real estate mogul was sharply criticized for his decision to organize a fundraiser for President Trump's re-election campaign.

"Stephen made the decision last week and informed the NFL and the members of the working committee that he was going to step out of the group and continue to focus his efforts on [nonprofit] RISE, "said a spokesman for the Dolphins in a statement obtained by ESPN. He believes in the work done by the group and is always fully engaged in this work. He will always be a passionate supporter and tireless advocate for the causes of social justice, the struggle for equal rights and education. "

Ross, 79, had been actively involved in the league's efforts to solve social justice issues following a wave of protests against the national anthem of the players. When the NFL announced for the first time a joint initiative of owners and players in January 2018, Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell, were among the outstanding participants.

Chris Long, a retired NFL member and member of the Players Coalition, told Sports Illustrated that Ross had been removed from the committee's task force at the request of the players. Long responded to Carolina Panthers security critic Eric Reid, a close friend and supporter of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who publicly disapproved of the coalition's efforts to bring about change.

"The only thing I really disagree with Eric is that the Coalition did not do anything," Long said. "The coalition is self-reliant, we do not work for the owners, in fact, we just got Steven Ross to agree to leave our working group, we can make decisions like that." "

A representative of the Dolphins did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Long's remarks.

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Ross' decision to hold a fundraiser for Trump's wealthy donors in the Hamptons sparked sharp criticism earlier this month, with some celebrities calling the public to boycott Equinox and SoulCycle. Ross is the parent company of both fitness chains.