Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin unleashed a barrage of invective Saturday against Donald Trump following the president’s remarks Friday in Alabama calling NFL players who protest “sons of bitches” and encouraging fans to walk away from games where protests of the national anthem occur.
He also saw Trump’s remarks as an opportunity for the sports world.
“I’m not surprised by Trump’s comments,” he said in a statement released to media from Nashville, where the Seahawks play Tennessee Sunday. “He has shown, since the beginning, his dehumanized nature. To think he would be anything different is to not know the reality of his presidency. He has surrounded himself with like-minded people and has removed anyone who challenges him. He acts like a child craving attention and any attention will do.
“Although these recent comments are not the worst things he’s said or done, I do believe that this will be a unifying moment for the sports world. And with as much influence as athletes have on the younger generation, this can be an opportunity for us to change the narrative of society and point to the president as a poor example of what you can become if you remain close-minded, ignorant and uneducated.
“For all the hate and negativity that has come from Trump’s presidency, I am still hopeful for justice and love to win out. As I continue to my efforts with the youth of our communities and engage with this hatred, I will resist the urge to return hate with hate and instead react in love and compassion for those who simply cannot.
“I encourage others to do the same.”
Baldwin, the son of a retired Florida policeman who served 35 years, has been active in acting as a liaison between police and community groups to help de-escalate tension in the wake of shootings of unarmed black men by police.
5 Comments
It is wondrous to see young men such as Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Bennett, Mr Wilson and Mr. Sherman, who came a generation after Dr. Martin Luther King, so completely understand and practice his teachings of peace, love and equality. It is a tribute to the character of the coaches and owners of the Seahawks to see them support these young men on and off the field. We stand with you as you kneel for the cause of liberty and justice for all. You are wise beyond you years. We thank you for, and are with you in this effort.
Good for you to say so, Tman. We’ll hear from many who think differently.
Doug Baldwin is an intelligent wise man. The quality ov the individuals that have been drawn together to represent the Seahawks organization makes it a great pleasure to root for them week in and week out. I wish to join Mr Baldwin and all the other members of that organization in believing that justice and love will win out.
Baldwin has earned the respect of many with expressing the courage of his convictions with action in the community.
It’s no wonder Trump wants to create big headlines about the NFL, since the Republicans latest attempt to destroy healthcare has failed again, he needs to change the subject to something else. His Presidency is floundering, so he would rather have us talk about black men disrespecting the flag instead. Classic Trump.