While it’s seemingly acceptable for President Obama to weigh in on professional basketball, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III found out the hard way that liberals aren’t too happy with athletes giving their political views.
RGIII came under fire on Tuesday after tweeting about political correctness.
The former Baylor University student, who majored in political science, had left-wing tweeters twitching with rage, and as Twitchy reported, many have criticized the athlete for his comments.
In a land of freedom we are held hostage by the tyranny of political correctness
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2013
But, RGIII’s tweet skyrocketed to popularity, receiving more than 11,400 retweets. It was favorited more than 4,400 times.
Though Griffin’s critics urged him to “shut up,” as one tweet read, the quarterback refused to stay mum, instead deciding to educate the masses on not only the definition of tyranny, but also facing his media critics head on.
Griffin wrote:
Tyranny has not just 1 meaning.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2013
Another tweet read:
Tyranny- “a condition imposed by some outside agency or force <living under the tyranny of the clock” or political correctness….
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2013
Speaking to the media the following day, RGIII wrote:
You can twist it, spin it, and try to find the basis of your next article in the words of anything that anyone says….
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 1, 2013
Though the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner faced a bevy of critics, many fans have praised Griffin for speaking his mind.
One fan wrote:
As a Seahawks fan, I gained a lot of respect for @rgiii today. #speaktruth #goodword
— Ryan Kropf (@whattheKropf) April 30, 2013
And, it’s not only fans sending Griffin words of encouragement. NFL Network reporter and Rap Sheet blogger Ian Rapoport egged RGIII on, saying:
I don’t know what @rgiii is upset about. But I love a superstar QB being willing to speak his mind. Please, media, can we let this continue?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2013
Griffin changed gears as the Tuesday wore on — instead choosing to focus on his recovery from knee surgery — but not before offering some kind words for his followers last night.
Hate is strong. But love is even stronger. Appreciate the support people. I’m out for the night
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 1, 2013
