Dolphins owner Ross steps down from NFL committee focused on social justice

DAVIE, Fla. – Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has stepped down from an NFL committee focused on social justice.

The news was first reported on a video Sports Illustrated released Tuesday where former NFL defensive lineman Chris Long announced that Ross had agreed to step down from the league's Working Group Committee.

"Stephen made the decision last week and informed the NFL and members of the working committee that he was going to step aside from the group and continue to focus his efforts at RISE." said a Dolphins spokesperson. "He believes in and is still fully committed to the work that has been done by the group and will always be a passionate supporter and tireless advocate for social justice causes, the fight for equal rights and education."

The committee, which launched in 2018, is comprised of players and owners and focuses on various social justice issues facing the league. Ross was one of the committee's founding members.

Ross has been criticized for agreeing to hold a fundraiser for President Trump at his home in New York earlier this month.

Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills called out the team owner saying Ross' actions were a direct contradiction to the mission statement of RISE, his non-profit created to fight racial discrimination.

Stills has since said that he and Ross have "agreed to disagree" over the owner's support of Trump, a president seen by many to be racially divisive.

ROSS' STATEMENT

Stephen made the decision last week and informed the NFL and members of the working committee that he was going to step aside from the group and continue to focus his efforts at RISE. He believes in and is still fully committed to the work that has been done by the group and will always be a passionate supporter and tireless advocate for social justice causes, the fight for equal rights and education.