Leave it to American athletes to embarrass not only nationally now but on the international stage as well.
The spark that lit the fire began when disgraced San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled for America’s song in 2016 that sparked a nationwide controversy and debate.
And now a U.S. fencer used his medal ceremony to do this anti-American act during the Pan American Games.
The United States women’s national team created quite a controversial stir on a global scale during the World Cup.
Aside from Captain Megan Rapinoe instigating the controversy initially with her “I’m not going to the f—king White House,” comment, she also refused to sing during the National Anthem. Instead of kneeling, her protest was refusing tossing.
The rest of the USWNT were unapologetically overzealous and arrogant during interviews and even during games when they over celebrated after each goal.
They embarrassed Americans on the international stage and you could tell because of how nationals from other countries reacted to the insufferable actions of the USWNT – finding their actions to be annoying would be a massive understatement.
The 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru just ended on Sunday, featuring 41 nations, including the United States – essentially being like a baby Summer Olympics. It’s almost like a preseason game before the regular season when it happens in Tokyo, Japan next year.
And just like the USWNT embarrassing us on the international stage, a U.S. fencer, Race Imboden, used his medal ceremony to take a knee just like Kaepernick when his team won gold at the games.
He posted the picture on Twitter and had some aggressive comments about President Trump.
Imboden wrote, “We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants,”
He added, “and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list. I chose to sacrifie my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change.”
We must call for change.
This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, pic.twitter.com/deCOKaHQI9— Race Imboden (@Race_Imboden) August 10, 2019
Mark Jones, Vice President of Communications for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, issued a statement noting that Imboden violated the rules of the games with his protest against the United States.
Jones said, “Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature. In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC.”
He added, “We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”
It’s important to note that Imboden’s other teammates stood at attention.
This is something we’ve grown accustomed to as working-class Americans. The pandering and condescension by athletes between both genders and amongst all sports to working-class Americans is disingenuous.
And the fact this anti-Americanism has oozed onto the world stage is embarrassing.