Posted on 05/04/2011 12:55:26 PM PDT by raccoonradio
PITTSBURGH — Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall wrote a "clarification" of his comments made Monday on Twitter regarding the death of Osama bin Laden.
In a tweet posted around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, he linked to an in-depth blog post. In that entry, he wrote that he does not support bin Laden, and that he aimed clear things up, for not only himself, but also the Steelers.
On Monday, Pittsburgh’s leading rusher caused enough of a stir with his tweets, that the Steelers felt compelled to release a statement.
Among Mendenhall’s posts, the day after the bin Laden news broke, was: "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..." He also tweeted on the Sept. 11 attacks: "We’ll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style."
Wednesday’s offering, though, was a different story.
"I appreciate those of you who have decided to read this letter and attain a greater understanding of my recent Twitter posts. I see how they have gotten misconstrued, and wanted to use this outlet as a way to clear up all things that do not truthfully represent myself, what I stand for personally, and any organization that I am a part of.
"First, I want people to understand that I am not in support of Bin Laden, or against the USA. I understand how devastating 9/11 was to this country and to the people whose families were affected. Not just in the U.S., but families all over the world who had relatives in the World Trade Centers. My heart goes out to the troops who fight for our freedoms everyday, not being certain if they will have the opportunity to return home, and the families who watch their loved ones bravely go off to war. Last year, I was grateful enough to have the opportunity to travel overseas and participate in a football camp put on for the children of U.S. troops stationed in Germany. It was a special experience. These events have had a significant impact in my life."
Mendenhall also specifically pointed out the "celebrates death" tweet.
"This controversial statement was something I said in response to the amount of joy I saw in the event of a murder. I don’t believe that this is an issue of politics or American pride; but one of religion, morality, and human ethics."
He also tried to bring closure to the situation.
"Nothing I said was meant to stir up controversy. It was my way to generate conversation. In looking at my timeline in its entirety, everything that I’ve said is with the intent of expressing a wide array of ideas and generating open and honest discussions, something I believe we as American citizens should be able to do. Most opinions will not be fully agreed upon and are not meant to be. However, I believe every opinion should be respected or at least given some thought. I apologize for the timing as such a sensitive matter, but it was not meant to do harm. I apologize to anyone I unintentionally harmed with anything that I said, or any hurtful interpretation that was made and put in my name."
On Tuesday, as Mendenhall’s offerings became a national story, team president Art Rooney II made sure the Steelers were heard from.
"I have not spoken with Rashard, so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments," he wrote in a statement. "The entire Steelers organization is very proud of the job our military personnel have done and we can only hope this leads to our troops coming home soon."
Mendenhall, who profiles himself as a "conversationalist and professional athlete" on his Twitter page, turned some heads in March, as well, when he supported a comment by Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson comparing the NFL to "modern-day slavery."
"Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel eachother," Mendenhall posted at the time.
As a result of the controversy, Mendenhall saw a spike in his followers on Twitter. On Tuesday afternoon, he had 13,631. On Wednesday afternoon, he had 36,914.
Haven’t heard the other side? How about OBL’s video and audio releases, etc.?
Killed on 9/11: Innocent people
OBL: Mastermind terrorist murderer
Difference.
Twitter is gay.
As much attention as there has been regarding ‘birthers’ I am amazed that ‘truthers’ seen to get off scott free.
I bet a higher percentage of Dems believe that Bush was behind the destruction of the Twin Towers than Reps question O’s citizenship.
This guy may be a Grade A moron, but he’s got Clinton’s non-apology apology routine down cold:
“I’m sorry if people misunderstood what I said.”
Why is it, when people try to “clarify” their controversial remarks, they just make it worse?
I know what he said. He’s entitled to say it. I’m also entitled to tell him to kiss my a$$.
No surprise he went to the “my comments were misconstrued” card.
It was his only option — and it still might not be enough to save his job.
“”I have not spoken with Rashard, so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments,” he wrote in a statement”
Wouldn’t it be easier for Mr Rooney to just say he employs nitwits?
WHO CARES!!! JUST ANOTHER FART OUT OF THAT BUTTCRACK PITTSBURGH!!!
A super patriot can’t own a team yet a guy like this can play for one
I just have a hard time believing a moron went through college and didn't get an education.................
Somebody wrote that for him.
JMO, owner of team should fire him.
He does have freedom of speech but some words have consequences.
If not fired, hope he gets booed at home and away games.
The WH loaned him TOTUS for the re-write.
Supposedly during the current NFL labor standoff Rooney can’t do discipline of players, etc. From what I hear Pitt. is a city of blue collar patriots, etc. but note that Rooney supported Obama in his election etc. Both he and his player may be hoping this blows over.
Freedom of speech does have consequences—Dixie Chicks, Michael Richards. If Mendenhall loses a commercial product endorsement over this, it’s his own fault (or if people boycott something he endorses)
‘Clarification’
‘I’m sorry if some people may have been offended...’
Reason number 87907423904783904810312 as to why the NFL sucks.
“I was watching it with my brother and...call me crazy, but didn’t the Twin Towers look like they were brought down by a controlled demolition?”
—Charlie Sheen on the Alex Jones show
just take the ball and run...leave the deep thinking to others....what a dolt.
Charlie Sheen AND Rosie O’Donuts. Both mechanical engineering geniuses................
Some recent tweets using #mendenhall
—For Rashard Mendenhall’s tweets, Roger Goodell has fined James Harrison
—Now that Rashard Mendenhall clarified his Osama tweets maybe he can clarify why he fumbled in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl.
—No Tweets so far today from Rashard Mendenhall. He’s probably at a UFO convention.
—freedom of speech applies only when you don’t represent others
(The example I like to give is that if you work as a WalMart greeter and say to shoppers, “Welcome to WalMart. F-— you.” Well, you DO have the right to say it. You don’t have the right to keep your job should the boss object about it.
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