Source: Fox News
Summary
Mike Eruzione, the 1980 US Olympic hockey team’s first true American hero, is defending Team USA’s interactions with President Donald Trump, saying that critics should “shut up and just enjoy what they did.” The team has faced backlash for its interactions with Trump, including laughter at a joke the president made about having to invite the women’s team to the State of the Union. Eruzione also praised the team’s performance, saying that 99% of the athletes are proud to represent their country.
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The game followed a familiar script.
The team’s interactions with Trump were always going to be scrutinized, and the backlash was inevitable.
But Eruzione’s defense of the team is familiar too – it’s the same script we’ve seen before when athletes are criticized for their political views.
The team’s celebration was always going to be a moment of joy and pride, but it’s also a moment of controversy.
This one felt recognizable early, and it’s a reminder that the line between sports and politics is often blurred.
Original observation: “When athletes are criticized for their political views, it’s always about the message, never the messenger.”
