Conspiracy theories claim Robert Saleh wearing Lebanon’s flag patch may have led to Jets firing him

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Robert Saleh was fired as the head coach of the New York Jets on Tuesday, October 8, amid a 2-3 start to the 2024 season, reported NFL.

This was the beginning of his fourth season with the team, where he holds a record of 20-36, without a winning season. In his final game, the Jets lost to the Minnesota Vikings in London 23-17.

Conspiracy theory over Robert Saleh's dismissal

Conspiracy theorists on social media, however, claimed Saleh was dismissed for a reason separate from the team's performance. During the game against the Vikings, he notably wore a Lebanese flag patch on his arm while he stood on the sidelines.

As tensions are escalating in the Middle East between the US ally Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the act is being considered a big deal, especially since Saleh was reportedly escorted out of the Jets' building by the team security days later.

Statement from NY Jets owner over Robert Saleh's dismissal

Woody Johnson, the owner of the Jets, said in a statement over the dismissal of his team's head coach, "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."

The team's defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

"He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team. I believe he along with the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the goals we established this offseason," added Johnson of Ulbrich.

Internet spins conspiracy theory over Robert Saleh's firing

Posts promoting conspiracy theories around Saleh's dismissal did the rounds on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

"Robert Saleh, head coach of the New York Jets wearing a Lebanon flag patch during the NFL game against the Vikings," shared a user on the day of his final game, grabbing over 5.9 million views.

"Just two days after Coach Robert Saleh wore the Lebanese flag on his sleeve, he’s been fired as the Head Coach of the NY Jets. While his record hasn’t been stellar, Saleh inherited a struggling team and still had a year left on his contract. Is this just a coincidence?" remarked another.

"Robert Saleh got fired because he showed support for Lebanon, you cannot change my mind or convince me otherwise. Woody Johnson (owner) is a life long republican donor and a staunch Zionist. Johnson and Johnson also has a long historical tie with Israel," claimed a third.

However, others have decried the claim, with a user stating, "The Lebanese flag, Robert Saleh rumor right now is wild. Needs to be put to sleep. The league is encouraging players and coaches to represent their heritage. Robert Saleh is ... Lebanese. He did this last year, too. It has absolutely nothing to do with his firing."

The take was backed by others tweeting, " 100% percent agree. Saleh posted a record of 20-36 during his three-plus seasons with the New York Jets. His winning percentage of .357 ranks 181st all-time. That’s the reason he was fired," and "The fact that we even have to talk about this is absurd."

 

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