Steelers followers are divided after Mason Rudolph, Miles Killebrew, and Rocky Bleier attended a Trump rally and introduced the president with a jersey.
Why Did Steelers Gamers Give Trump a Jersey?
Three Pittsburgh Steelers figures — quarterback Mason Rudolph, particular groups captain Miles Killebrew, and former working again Rocky Bleier — attended a Donald Trump rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, final Friday, sparking controversy amongst followers.
Through the occasion, they introduced Trump with a personalised Steelers No. 47 jersey, referring to him as an “honorary Steeler” and a “Corridor of Fame president.”
The rally, held at US Metal’s Irvin Works facility, celebrated a $14 billion metal deal between US Metal and Nippon Metal. However for some Steelers followers, the main focus shifted rapidly from economics to politics.
Why are Steelers Followers Upset About Trump Rally?
Many followers took to social media and e-mail to voice frustration over the gamers’ look at a political occasion, significantly one involving President Donald Trump. The Steelers group confirmed it had obtained quite a few complaints.
In response, the group issued an announcement to upset followers and season-ticket holders:
“We perceive {that a} current rally in Pittsburgh has generated a variety of reactions from our fan base. Our alumni and present gamers make their very own particular person selections that mirror their views and they don’t essentially characterize the view of your entire Pittsburgh Steelers group.”
Workforce spokesperson Burt Lauten confirmed to the Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette that this message was despatched on to followers who contacted the franchise.
Mason Rudolph Trump Rally Response
Rudolph addressed the backlash throughout group exercises this week, defending his resolution to attend and emphasizing freedom of speech.
“There’s backlash every single day… that’s the character of social media,” Rudolph mentioned. “That’s why America is so nice. Everyone seems to be entitled to their very own opinion. Speech is free. Par for the course.”
Rudolph is at present first on the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart, although hypothesis continues concerning the group probably including veteran expertise, together with Aaron Rodgers.
Why Did Miles Killebrew Attend the Trump Rally?
Miles Killebrew, a group captain and Professional Bowl particular teamer, informed reporters that assembly a U.S. president had been a lifelong dream.
He defined he wished the chance to say he had met a sitting president and to later share that second along with his youngsters.
Killebrew didn’t remark extensively on the political elements of the occasion however framed his look as private, not political.
Who Is Rocky Bleier and Why Was He Concerned?
4-time Tremendous Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier additionally appeared onstage with Trump. He introduced the jersey and praised the previous president through the occasion.
Bleier’s army service and long-standing fame as a Steelers icon made his presence on the rally particularly notable to followers — each these in help and people dismayed by his involvement.
Are the Steelers a Political Workforce?
Whereas present and former gamers are entitled to non-public views, the Rooney household, which owns the Steelers, has traditionally supported Democratic politicians.
The late Dan Rooney notably served as US Ambassador to Eire beneath former president Barack Obama and was a recognized supporter of Democratic causes.
The group’s current assertion makes an attempt to attract a transparent line between the private political actions of particular person gamers and the group’s official stance.
Can NFL Gamers Attend Political Occasions?
Sure. NFL gamers are non-public residents and are free to attend political occasions, help candidates, or specific political views, as protected by the First Modification.
Nevertheless, such actions usually carry public notion dangers, particularly when performed whereas representing a widely known sports activities model.
On this case, the presentation of a Steelers jersey at a political rally blurred the traces between private expression and group endorsement — prompting the group’s clarification.
