Capitalism is great. It ensures the free market remains unencumbered by government. It rewards individuals who work tirelessly to make a life for themselves and provide value for others willing to pay them, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
But capitalism comes with a price.
Since the beginning of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, U.S. soccer great Landon Donovan has been appearing in ads for Wells Fargo, rooting for America’s soccer arch-nemesis, Mexico.
The tournament is here! USA fans, our team may not be in Russia, but our neighbors to the south are. So join me and their proud #sponsor @WellsFargo to cheer on our other team, Mexico @miseleccionmxEN. ¡Vamos México! pic.twitter.com/YIifLGCT0D
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) June 16, 2018
Of course, if you’ve been paying attention to the World Cup, the United States did not qualify, so Americans are looking for other teams to support. Some Americans, especially those with Mexican heritage, are rooting for Mexico. Others just rooting for Mexico as a rebuke to President Trump.
Donovan has every right to root for Mexico in the World Cup. It’s a free country. But him telling others how to react to his endorsement or how to approach the World Cup crosses a line.
His former teammate, Carlos Bocanegra, pushed back on Donovan’s endorsement, tweeting, “Really?
Donovan responded in rather tone-deaf fashion.
You grew up in SoCal and owe much of your soccer skill to playing with Mexicans. Your father is of Mexican descent (??♂️). Look around our country, are you happy with how we are treating Mexicans? Open your mind, stand for something & remember where you came from ✌?❤️ https://t.co/1oOD3asfDk
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) June 16, 2018
Another one of Donovan’s former teammates, Heculez Gomez, reacted appropriately to such a charge.
This is an incredibly terrible take. Questioning ones loyalties to culture and/or heritage because HE questioned YOU for taking marketing dollars to “root” for your SPORTING RIVAL?
You can hate El Tri- this doesn’t mean you have anything against Mexicans. ✊? ?? ?? https://t.co/xF9JCI1qBC
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) June 16, 2018
Donovan could very well just be rooting for Mexico for the sponsorship money. But hopefully he’s not being genuine and earnest. Any avid supporter of the U.S. national team shouldn’t dare think of cheering for their main rival.
It’s like a Boston Red Sox fan being paid to cheer for the New York Yankees to win another World Series and then telling other Red Sox fans to do so because they come from the same league and division.
It’s a dumb tactic, and at this point, it’s soccer heresy.
Get your money, Landon. But any credibility you had with respect to supporting U.S. soccer is quickly withering away.
