No, he isn't powerless to take them away. He likely sees some value in using them. He probably sees they can be a distraction to a player's focus to his message. That is what I get from what he is saying.
Just because nearly every other player is using them doesn't mean the use of them is ideal.
A much better place to develop critical thinking skills is when you have time to think, opposed to just reacting. That is outside of the game during film study, but not during the game. I get what Lindy is saying.
There's something different - it's a culture change and it started in the offseason with the trades. I was at the game tonight and you felt the effort and different attitude. It was fun to watch. The team wont' miss Reinhart.