Emmitt Smith Disappointed at NFL For Banning Cowboys Cop Tribute

NFL legend and former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith says it’s a shame the NFL didn’t support the team’s helmet decals honoring the five police officers slain during a sniper attack in downtown Dallas in July.

“Everyone’s lives definitely matter, but at the same time we also understand through a statistical standpoint there are deeper issues out there that the NFL can take a leadership role and support the efforts of the Dallas Cowboys trying to do something for their city,” Smith tells FOXBusiness.com.

Last week, the NFL denied the Dallas Cowboys’ petition to add a small decal to their helmets this season to show support for law enforcement. The “Arm in Arm” design was revealed in late July when Dallas Police Chief David Brown, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and family members of the five officers killed walked arm-in-arm with the players at the team’s first practice.

“Just like we do things for cancer…this is an opportunity for the league to take a leadership role and not necessarily take a political role,” adds Smith.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told the Dallas Morning News that the organization understood and respected the NFL’s decision and said the team will still be allowed to wear the decals during practices.

The Dallas Police Department said in a statement that the sentiment mattered more than the results.

"We appreciate the support of the Cowboys organization and its players," the statement said. "Their concern for the families of our fallen officers, the Dallas Police Department and the City of Dallas is what matters most, and we know that support will continue for the immediate and long term future."