Todd Starnes: Fencer Race Imboden owes America an apology, should be replaced on Team USA
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Olympic fencing medalist Race Imboden pitched a childish tantrum and took a knee during the national anthem Team USA's medal ceremony at the Pan American Games in Peru last Friday.
Imboden was apparently triggered by the rocket's red glare and suffered a massive outbreak of microaggressions. He later addressed his behavior on Twitter, from the confines of his designated safe space.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We must call for change," he declared.
US FENCER TAKES KNEE AT PAN AM GAMES IN PROTEST
Mr. Imboden said he was honored to represent America at the Pan Am games -- but faster than Colin Kaepernick could say "Betsy Ross," the young fencer turned on his native country.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart," he wrote. "Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list."
The 26-year-old member of Team USA defended his unpatriotic protest and called on other athletes to join his cause.
"I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed," he said. "I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE -- Race Imboden, of the United States, celebrates after winning a men's individual foil round 8 qualifying match against Germany's Peter Joppich at the World Fencing Championship in Catania, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011. ((AP Photo/Carmelo Imbesi))
A spokesman for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee denounced the athlete's political spectacle.
More from Opinion
- Harmeet Dhillon: Hey, California, Trump has a right to run for reelection. The Constitution is crystal clear
- Mary Anne Marsh: Want gun control and secure elections now? Demand both from these 19 vulnerable GOP senators
- Justin Haskins: In 2020, socialism could flip Minnesota -- and the election -- to Trump
"Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature," spokesman Mark Jones told Associated Press. "In this case, Race didn’t adhere to the commitment he made to the organizing committee and the USOPC,”
Imboden brought shame upon himself, his family, his teammates and most of all -- the nation. It was a selfish, disloyal and unpatriotic slap in the face.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO GET THE OPINION NEWSLETTER
At the very least he owes the country an unequivocal apology. Regardless, Imboden must be removed from the team and replaced with a fencer who actually loves the nation he is representing.
Imboden brought shame upon himself, his family, his teammates and most of all -- the nation. It was a selfish, disloyal and unpatriotic slap in the face.
“We respect his rights to express his viewpoints, but we are disappointed that he chose not to honor his commitment," Jones said in the statement. "Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Quite frankly, he should've been yanked off the platform, stripped of his medal, ordered to turn in his uniform, and instructed to find his own way back to the United States.
Just because an athlete is a perpetually offended millennial snowflake is no excuse to be an unpatriotic jerk.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}