Joey Votto Ordered Back To Canada For Kneeling During Reds vs Tigers
Fans ordered Joey Votto to go back to Canada after the first baseman opted to take a knee prior to the Cincinnati Reds’ showdown against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday.
Votto was one of four players to do the deed during the National Anthem. All the players kneeling did so in public support of Black Lives Matters.
Ever since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police this past year, multiple players across several sports have opted to do the same.
Votto, in particular, was very emotionally impacted by what happened to Floyd and spoke out about it earlier this year.
“I think I’ve changed as a man. I feel my perspective has changed,” he said in an interview.
“I didn’t want to (speak up), but I couldn’t sleep. There was a long stretch where I couldn’t sleep. When it affects me that deeply, I felt strongly about saying something and learning. Every day I’m trying to learn.”
Fans, however, did not take kindly to Votto’s decision.
One was so offended, in fact, that they ordered the 36-year-old back to Canada.
Hey Joey Votto! If you don’t respect America, go back to Canada! You make $20 million a year. The US has been pretty good to you. How about a little respect. I’ve been a lifelong Reds fan. No more! I’ve had it with the disrespect you rich bastards show our great country. Go back!
— Mike Oeding (@MikeOeding) July 22, 2020
Votto was originally born in Toronto, Canada, and is a two-time Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada’s athlete of the year.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
