Cardinals president wants players to stick to football on game days

Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said Thursday he encourages his players to use their platforms to speak out on social issues, except on game days.

"I think it's important to speak up," the executive said in an interview on NewsTalk 550 KFYI. "People are saying stick to sports? You know what? We ask our players 20 days a year - game days - to restrict their statements. The rest of the days, we want our players to get engaged in the community. Just like I am and other owners are."

Bidwill thrust himself into the spotlight Monday by writing a letter in support of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, which was published on the Cardinals' website.

Bidwill, who's known Kavanaugh since high school, said the letter wasn't about politics, even though the topic is inherently political. He and four other Cardinals executives are on the NFL's Social Justice Committee, which also includes three active NFL players and two retired players.

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He said in the interview that he and his fellow committee members are focused on "making America a better place for everyone."