The letters went to the two protesters. The message was meant for a much wider audience.
The CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee sent letters of reprimand to hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden for protesting on the medals stand last week at the Pan American Games, but the 12-month probations that came with the letters also included a none-too-subtle signal for anyone vying for next year's Olympics.
"It is also important for me to point out that, going forward, issuing a reprimand to other athletes in a similar instance is insufficient," Sarah Hirshland wrote in the letters sent Tuesday. The Associated Press obtained copies of the documents.
Neither Berry's raised fist nor Imboden's kneel-down on the Pan Am medals stand were met with immediate consequences, in part because they happened at the tail end of the games that were wrapping up in Lima, Peru.
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8 comments:
I stand for the flag and kneel for the cross...
Now, have the balls to stick to it.
as it should be!!! there is no place for politics in the olympics
Agreed, Either respect this Country or get out, a few years in Venezuela should change their mind!
I wish the nfl had the balls to take a final stand!
I respect these American Athletes and Patriots, for having the courage and bravery to exercise their right to speech.
However, this isn't their platform, and if the organization they represent has rules on this, they must be willing to accept said repercussions for said protests.
One does not get to have it both ways.
I have not doubt that these patriots love their country. You can recognize areas that need to be improved, be critical of them, at the same time still loving your country.
The actual idea that one has to salute the flag or get put is actually more akin to Venezuela. So maybe it is you who should be packing up.
Attention 9:31- Your freedom is to not accept sponsorship or agree to represent. These athletes agree to certain guidelines before receiving all the support of the United States Olympic Committee.
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