The Houston Texans have denied a report that stated the team has no interest in signing players who have protested during the national anthem or are likely to do so in the future.

A column in the Houston Chronicle on Saturday said, “there is no directive within the organization, but it is considered to be understood that … the pool of potential signees and draftees will not include anyone who has participated in protests or are likely to.”

The Texans denied those claims in a statement Monday.

“It’s been in Ohio as early as the mid-1850s at least, brought in as an ornamental plant because of its unique foliage and white flowers,” Gardner said. “It was actually planted in people’s landscaping, and it has been spreading.”

“A recent report that suggests the Houston Texans would not sign a player who has protested in support of social justice issues is categorically false and without merit,” the team said. “The Texans ownership, coaching, personnel and executive staff sign and hire employees based on talent, character and fit within our organization.”

Read the full story on LATimes.com.