Rooney: Hard to comprehend Mendenhall's bin Laden tweets

Topdawg13 · May 4, 2011

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The Pittsburgh Steelers running back on Monday tweeted: "What kind of person celebrates death? It's amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We've only heard one side..."

Referencing the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he wrote "We'll never know what really happened. I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition style." That particular tweet was removed on Tuesday.

Mendenhall, who profiles himself as a "conversationalist and professional athlete" on his Twitter page, turned some heads in March, as well, when he supported a comment by Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson comparing the NFL to "modern-day slavery."

"Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel each other," Mendenhall posted at the time.

Among his other bin Laden tweets:

"I believe in God. I believe we're ALL his children. And I believe HE is the ONE and ONLY judge."

"Those who judge others, will also be judged themselves."

"For those of you who said you want to see Bin Laden burn ... I ask how would God feel about your heart?"

"There is not an ignorant bone in my body. I just encourage you to think."

Mendenhall's string of tweets ended around 6 p.m. Monday. He has not tweeted since.

But he remains a hot topic. Sports radio talk shows in Pittsburgh -- and around the nation, for that matter -- were fielding calls on Tuesday about him.

Mendenhall has more than 18,000 followers on Twitter, up from 13,631 before his latest string of tweets, and he personally follows 66. Included in the group he's following is the Dalai Lama, comedian Sarah Silverman, and the Park Community Church in Chicago.
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Hey Mendy, go **** yourself..................

dolphan117 · May 4, 2011

And now the inevitable backtracking.

"I appreciate those of you who have decided to read this letter and attain a greater understanding of my recent Twitter posts. I see how they have gotten misconstrued, and wanted to use this outlet as a way to clear up all things that do not truthfully represent myself, what I stand for personally, and any organization that I am a part of.

"First, I want people to understand that I am not in support of Bin Laden, or against the USA. I understand how devastating 9/11 was to this country and to the people whose families were affected. Not just in the U.S., but families all over the world who had relatives in the World Trade Centers. My heart goes out to the troops who fight for our freedoms everyday, not being certain if they will have the opportunity to return home, and the families who watch their loved ones bravely go off to war. Last year, I was grateful enough to have the opportunity to travel overseas and participate in a football camp put on for the children of U.S. troops stationed in Germany. It was a special experience. These events have had a significant impact in my life."

Mendenhall also specifically pointed out the "celebrates death" tweet.

"This controversial statement was something I said in response to the amount of joy I saw in the event of a murder. I don't believe that this is an issue of politics or American pride; but one of religion, morality, and human ethics."
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...fication.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a8&eref=sihp
I love it that in the middle of his apology we still "Murdered" Bin Laden.

Nice to see that Rooney publicly gave him a verbal slap across the face and probably gave Mendenhall an ultimatum about issuing an apology.

Topdawg13 · May 5, 2011

Mendenhall loses endorsement deal over bin Laden tweets

And now the fallout...........

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Athletic apparel manufacturer Champion announced Thursday that it had dropped the Pittsburgh Steelers running back after he questioned the celebrations of bid Laden's death and expressed his uncertainty over official accounts of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York, suburban Washington and Pennsylvania.

Spokesman Matt Hall told USA Today that the company was "ending our business relationship" with Mendenhall because it didn't believe he "can appropriately represent Champion." Mendenhall had endorsed the company since 2008 and signed a four-year contract with it earlier this year.

A firestorm of controversy erupted around Mendenhall, who on Wednesday clarified and apologized for the tweets.

That didn't stop Mendenhall from losing his endorsement deal with Champion, which released this statement:

"Champion is a strong supporter of the government's efforts to fight terrorism and is very appreciative of the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Armed Forces. Earlier this week, Rashard Mendenhall, who endorses Champion products, expressed personal comments and opinions regarding Osama bin Laden and the September 11 terrorist attacks that were inconsistent with the values of the Champion brand and with which we strongly disagreed. In light of these comments, Champion was obliged to conduct a business assessment to determine whether Mr. Mendenhall could continue to effectively communicate on behalf of and represent Champion with consumers. While we respect Mr. Mendenhall's right to express sincere thoughts regarding potentially controversial topics, we no longer believe that Mr. Mendenhall can appropriately represent Champion and we have notified Mr. Mendenhall that we are ending our business relationship. Champion has appreciated its association with Mr. Mendenhall during his early professional football career and found him to be a dedicated and conscientious young athlete. We sincerely wish him all the best."
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