As Twitchy told you yesterday, Pittsburgh Steelers player and former Army Ranger who served three tours in Afghanistan, Alejandro Villanueva, was the lone member of his team to emerge from the tunnel and stand for the National Anthem. The rest of the team had decided to remain in the locker room during the Anthem, and it didn’t go over well with Villanueva’s coach Mike Tomlin:
.@steelers coach Mike Tomlin raps Alejandro Villanueva for standing for the national anthem https://t.co/j6NSWfPNZO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 25, 2017
Steelers Coach Didn’t Want Army Vet To Stand For Anthem [VIDEO] https://t.co/HG977T2Kgg
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 25, 2017
The Steelers’ coach seemed disappointed in Villanueva after the game:
When asked by a reporter about Villanueva coming out for the anthem, Tomlin said, “Like I said, I was looking for 100 percent participation, we were gonna be respectful of our football team.”
What happened to appreciation for players’ “free speech” rights as well as those who are willing to stand alone (or kneel in some cases) for a cause?
Freedom of speech clearly doesn't apply to everyone ????
— Sarah Bowmar MBA CPT (@sarah_bowmar) September 25, 2017
Let me get this, it is okay if one kneels, but it is not okay is one stands?
— Kyle Lambdin (@kyleRok) September 25, 2017
But I thought dissent was patriotic. https://t.co/k5Z6zJF84r
— Ammosexual Deetz (@tahDeetz) September 25, 2017
Hmm, it’s almost as if there are double standards at work.
Imagine hopping in a time machine and explaining to your grandparents that the military vet who stood for the anthem is the one in trouble. https://t.co/Ht6opzUHMm
— John Hayward (@Doc_0) September 25, 2017
Crazy, right?
https://twitter.com/mkues65/status/912302082736173057
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Tomlin's anger is misdirected. He should be disappointed in his team for not supporting their veteran brother. Sad!!! #StandWithAlejandro
— Justin Finamore (@finster77nc) September 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/mark_woofk9/status/912284958143778817
https://twitter.com/DSaccoCT/status/912298147103330306
Yeah, go ahead and fine or suspend Villanueva, Steelers. See how that works out. https://t.co/1KXavYlbTU
— Allahpundit (@allahpundit) September 25, 2017
So, the guy who fought for the country doesn't have his right to free expression?
These guys just don't get it. https://t.co/Hl0IzN4Qsq
— Dusty (@dustopian) September 25, 2017
This is when you disobey the coach. Its a game not a BLM rally. The bronze star says it all
— Logan Horn (@DaddyOhLead) September 25, 2017
The Steelers lost to the Bears 23-17.
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