Well it turns out that many celebrities/pro athletes sometimes forget to think before they act. Sort of like how all humans do!
About a month ago, Steelers star running back, Rashard Mendenhall, tweeted about the recent death of Usama Bin Laden.
"What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..."
This simple tweet angered most “proud Americans.” Sure, Usama Bin Laden was without doubt a horrible human being; but should we have more respect for the dead regardless of who the person is? Possibly. Even if one does not agree with what Rashard said, he is entitled to his own opinion, and was criticized way too severely. Hours later, Rashard tweeted again, now referring to the 9/11 attacks. Here was the real back-breaker…
"We'll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style."
Great. Now we all know that Rashard is not only a terrorist, but also a conspiracy theorist. At least, that’s how the press viewed it.
These two simple tweets by the running back had stirred up so much controversy within a few hours, that Steelers President, Art Rooney II, released a statement regarding Mendenhall.
According to The Associated Press, Rooney stated that he had not yet talked to Rashard, but the Steelers organization was extremely proud of the U.S troops, and hoped that this would lead to returning them home.
According to most journalists, Mendenhall is not only “dumb,” but also ignorant, and un-patriotic. (Remember when Rush Limbaugh called the soldier without an arm un-patriotic?)
In all honesty, I do not even necessarily agree with what Rashard said. Of course if he could go back, I am sure he would certainly think twice about what he said; but at the same time he was just speaking his mind. Unfortunately, in today’s society when a person shares an opinion that may be unpopular to the general public, it is frowned upon. Since Rashard’s incident, he has lost his endorsement with CHAMPION, and has been heavily criticized by not only the general public, but also his own teammates.
Hines Ward, who is known to tell it like it is, shared with ESPN that he disagreed with Rashard’s opinion; quoting in exact words that it was a “bad opinion.” Losing the respect of his team’s long-time captain is not something Rashard would want to do. Although Ward’s statement seemed a bit harsh, some of what he said made a lot of sense. Obviously, Rashard’s opinion was not widely accepted. Considering the statement he made was controversial as is, he probably did not expect to receive a lot of positive feedback.
Should one have their own opinions and stand up for what they believe in? Yes.
Should Rashard have tweeted that? Being the person he is? No.
Should the press be ripping his heart out, while the Steelers cut him? Absolutely NOT.
written alex muchnok
No comments:
Post a Comment