Unified: The Union’s Much Appreciated Stance Against Gun Violence
“I’m a human being first.”
These were Union captain Aljandro Bedoya’s words during his post-game interview. Sunday, a few miles from the White House, the Union took on D.C United for the first time this season. The score was tied 0-0 when the Union advanced on United and after several passes, the decision to kick was left was Bedoya. He wound up from right outside the penalty box, kicked and scored the first of the Union’s five goals. The kick wasn’t the best part, nor were any of the five goals, the highlight of the game came from what Bedoya yelled into a field mic right after he scored. “Hey Congress. Do something now. End gun violence, let’s go!” When asked about it, he said “It’s absurd, man. I’m not going to sit idly and watch this stuff happen and not say something. Before I’m an athlete before I’m a soccer player, I’m a human being first, and this stuff affects me,”
Philly United
This isn’t Philly’s first stand against gun violence. Earlier this year, Philadelphians rallied in LOVE Park for the one year anniversary of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida with the goal of bringing awareness to the issue of gun legislation and restrictions in America. Now, obviously Parkland isn’t in PA, but it was one of the United State’s 104 school shootings in 2018. Although Bedoya’s comments caused a frenzy in the media, the MLS quickly made it known that they have his back. MLS’ Player Association Exec. Director tweeted out “On this tragic weekend, on behalf of all MLS players I want to express my full support for @AleBedoya17’s exercise of free speech. To paraphrase his post-game comments, before our members are soccer players, they are people.
Ale poignantly voiced what so many Americans are feeling right now, which is enormous frustration at our elected leaders’ failure to act to protect their citizens.” So rather you’re for or against Bedoya’s statement, I think every American has to agree that this issue needs to be addressed. Thank you Captain O’Captian for doing what’s right instead of what’s easy.
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