Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz on Monday said that they are proud of Philadelphia’s Alejandro Bedoya, who after scoring in an MLS game Sunday ran over to a microphone and said, “Hey Congress, do something now. End gun violence. Let’s go.”
Bedoya was, of course, referring to the mass s hootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
“I’m not going to get into specifics, but these mass shooting need to stop,” Guzan said. “There needs to be something. I don’t know what that answer is. Something needs to change. This isn’t OK. This is certainly not safe.”
Bedoya was supported by his coach, Jim Curtin, after the game, as well as by the MLS Players Association, which also issued a statement on his behalf. Other players have followed suit on social media, fighting back against the belief that athletes should stick to sports when it comes to matter of public interest and debate.
“We’ve seen a pretty successful summer with pro athletes, especially soccer players, speaking up and doing so in a very positive way,” Larentowicz said. “Megan Rapinoe has built a legacy in a month that could last a lifetime and it’s all for positive change.”
Larentowicz said it’s unavoidable for athletes to not be role models, belying the famous quote said by his favorite basketball player growing up, Charles Barkley.
“I agree with Alejandro, plain and simple” Larentowicz said. “I read his tweets as well. He hit on a lot of good stuff that a lot of people have been saying for a long time. It’s not easy. The Constitution is a living document. But it’s been a tough one to crack on the issue. I agree with where he’s coming from, for sure.”
Neither player said they are afraid to play in public spaces such as stadiums filled with as many as 73,000 people. Larentowicz said no one is walking a dog around his car at Wal-Mart, like they do at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It’s a very sad world we live in at the minute,” Guzan said. “It’s something that is happening way too often.”
About the Author
