DeAndre Hopkins on Bob McNair's 'Inmates' Comment: 'Bob Is a Great Guy'

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins said Tuesday he missed an October practice because of personal issues, not the "inmates running the prison" comment by team owner Bob McNair.

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle provided clarification from Hopkins, who spoke highly of the embattled Texans owner.

"Bob is a great guy," he said. "I could never say anything bad about him."

Hopkins took a knee during the national anthem in the Texans' first game, a 41-38 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, after McNair's remarks were released.

Afterward, the 25-year-old South Carolina native refused to directly answer questions about the owner's role in his practice absence and decision to kneel, per Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today.

"Actions always speak louder than words, especially when they're peaceful actions," Hopkins said.

McNair's comments have received renewed attention in recent weeks after he told Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal his only regret about the situation was apologizing for the original statement.

"The main thing I regret is apologizing," he said. "I really didn't have anything to apologize for."

Last week, longtime Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson said on the Now What? With Arian Foster podcast (via Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle) he almost skipped his Ring of Honor ceremony in November because of the situation.