Things have certainly changed quickly on the Pittsburgh Steelers showing support of Antwon Rose.
During the Steelers’ game against the Giants on Monday night, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva chose to cover up the name of Antwon Rose Jr. on the back of his helmet, displaying the name of a military veteran instead. He was blasted on social media for his actions, but the conversation quickly changed when Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey expressed remorse over wearing a helmet tribute to a 17-year-old who was shot and killed by police, stating he did not have the full story.
“I want to personally clarify what transpired this past Monday night in regard to having Antwon Rose’s name on the back of my helmet,” Pouncey says.
“I was given limited information on the situation regarding Antwon, and I was unaware of the whole story surrounding his death and what transpired during the trial following the tragedy.”
Rose was fingered as the 17-year-old who shot someone just before he would be shot and killed by a white East Pittsburgh Police Officer. The officer who shot and killed Antwon was later found not guilty of all criminal charges that were filed against him — including 1st-degree murder.
Among the many peple who took issue with Alejandro Villanueva was Jemele Hill.
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As fully expected, social media wanted to know her new thoughts since another teammate had something to say about Rose after gathering more information:
Pouncey said he works with police in Pittsburgh and back home in Florida and wants them to understand he “inadvertently” supported a cause he didn’t know the full background of.
“Moving forward, I will make my own decision about what to wear on the back of my helmet,” Pouncey said. “Make no mistake, I am against racism and I believe the best thing I can do is to continue helping repair relationships between the police and their communities. Systemic racism issues have occurred in our country for too long, and that needs to stop.”
