Photo: John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty
Rivera also referencedThursday night’s senate hearing on the Capitol attacks, calling the event an “act of domestic terrorism.”
“A group of citizens attempted to overturn the results of a free and fair election,” he said, “and as a result, lives were lost, and the Capitol building was damaged.”
Del Rio’s fine will be donated on behalf of the team to theUnited States Capitol Police Memorial Fund, according to the team’s release.
The 59-year-old coordinator sparked criticism Monday when he tweeted in response to a comment regarding the Capitol riots senate hearings.
“Would love to understand ‘the whole story’ about why the summer of riots, looting, burning and the destruction of personal property is never discussed but this is???” hewrote, before adding the hashtag, “#CommonSense.”
Del Rio then doubled down on his stance during the team’s press conference on Wednesday, comparing the act of civil unrest to the string of protests that erupted following the death ofGeorge Floyd.
“I just think it’s kind of two standards, and if we apply the same standard and we’re going to be reasonable with each other, let’s have a discussion,” he continued. “That’s all it was. Let’s have a discussion.”
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“I love, respect, and support all my fellow coaches, players, and staff that I work with and respect their views and opinions,” he added.
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“However, words have consequences and his words hurt a lot of people in our community,” Rivera’s statement said. “I want to make it clear that our organization will not tolerate any equivalency between those who demanded justice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the actions of those on January 6 who sought to topple our government.”
He continued: “I feel strongly that after our conversation this morning, he will have a greater understanding for the impact of his language and the values that our team stands for.”
source: people.com
