Posted on 09/26/2017 7:47:31 AM PDT by Texas Eagle
> I think he was trying to be the good (team) soldier and he botched it. <
I agree with your comment there. There was nothing malicious or evil in what Villanueva did, or said. But he tried to have it both ways. Honor aside, sometimes that works. Then you’re called a diplomat.
But sometimes it doesn’t work, like in this case. Then you take flak from all sides.
I bought one from Amazon which reads, "Alejandro Makes America Proud" which should arrive tomorrow, and will be returned the same day, in the same box...UNOPENED.
Not sickening, typical... The decision to not show up for the anthem I guarantee was not a “team” decision as Tomlin tried to spin it... Tomlin and/or Rooney made that call.. and I guarantee they threatened this guy as soon as they had him alone with no microphones...
#78 has nothing to apologies for, he didn’t make his teammates look bad, their actions did that.
He apologized for standing and saluting the American flag and our national anthem! No matter how much he was pressured: What a cowardly, disgraceful, wicked thing for him to do.
You gotta feel a little sorry for the merchants who rushed out the “Stand with Villanueva” stuff on Amazon. Hats, shirts, etc. Last I checked, there was even a “Stand with Villanueva” tote bag.
That stuff is all garbage now. Maybe they could come out with a “Villanueva: Hero to Zero” line of merchandise instead.
I think “Pittsburgh Kneelers” would sell well, too.
Never quit... make em fire you and put their money where their mouth is.
Sorry for the late response, but your point is dead on. Shocking, if you will, to see unanimity among players, coaches and owners. NOT ONE telling their Marxist masters to go to hell? Sick indeed.
The need for people to whore themselves out for social approval can override just about anything. Plus, there may have been a credible threat to fire Villanueva or make his life unbearable.
Within his locker room, I’d bet my last dollar that his life HAD become unbearable. Yesterday, the proud guy was gone, and in his place was a sheeple.
“Mike Tomlin was clearly peeved at him, so he risked being benched at the very least. Likely USAA also pressured him.”
Very sad for this man. Gotta be rough. Putting the country first was just not do-able for him. Unlike the Founding Fathers who pledged to sacrifice, and did sacrifice, “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.