Sunday night in the MLS, the Philadelphia Union’s captain Alejandro Bedoya scored the first goal in a 5-1 routing against DC United.
Bedoya used his goal celebration to head over to a FOX Sports 1 broadcast microphone on the sideline, where he yelled “Hey Congress, do something now. End gun violence. Let’s go!” he said, according to ESPN.
His comments came after the El Paso, Texas and the Dayton, Ohio mass shootings that took place this past weekend, where 29 people combined were killed and over 50 others were injured.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
According to ESPN FC, the MLS later confirmed that Bedoya would not be suspended or fined for his remarks on the broadcast microphone. His message was understandable to all those watching on the broadcast, but unfortunately couldn’t be heard by those attending the game at the stadium.
IN MEMORIAM: SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
“The Major League Soccer family joins everyone grieving for the loss of lives in Texas and Ohio, and we understand that our players and staff have strong and passionate views on the issue,” the MLS statement read, according to ESPN.
Before the match and after the attacks in Texas and Ohio, Bedoya tweeted out, “we can start with stricter background checks, red flag laws, making a registry for gun purchases, closing gun show loopholes, and taxing ammunition.”
The Union and head coach Jim Curtin explained their full support of Bedoya’s comments on the field after the game. The club released a statement, saying, “the Philadelphia Union support Alejandro Bedoya,” the team said, according to New York Times. “He is taking a stand. The events that transpired this weekend across the country are deplorable. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.”
Bedoya, a 32-year-old born in New Jersey of Colombian descent, played college soccer in the United States. He went overseas to play in the French League, the Scottish league and Swedish league before returning to the United States to play for the Union in 2016. He was a starter for the U.S. Men’s National Team when the team went to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they lost to Belgium in the quarterfinals.
The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. would start the team's…
In the midst of a 3-11 season with a rookie quarterback, first-year Patriots head coach…
The New York Giants will start quarterback Drew Lock in Week 16 against the Atlanta…
Former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham spoke out about his time with his old team,…
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly activating wide receiver Hollywood Brown from injured reserve this…
The New York Mets signed righthanded pitcher Griffin Canning to a one-year, $4.25 million deal…