Four Cincinnati Reds players knelt during the national anthem before an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday.
Among the players kneeling in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement were Joey Votto, the Reds’ star first baseman.
Since he was the most notable player, fans reacted negatively and even more harshly to him on social media once photos of kneeling players hit the internet.
One guy even told him to go back to Canada.
“Hey Joey Votto! If you don’t respect America, go back to Canada! You make $20 million a year. The US has been pretty good to you. How about a little respect. I’ve been a lifelong Reds fan. No more! I’ve had it with the disrespect you rich bastards show our great country. Go back!”
More reactions:
Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis earlier this year, Votto has been an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. Earlier this month, he was seen wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt during a workout.
“I think I’ve changed as a man. I feel my perspective has changed,” Votto told the Associated Press earlier this month. “I didn’t want to (speak up), but I couldn’t sleep. There was a long stretch where I couldn’t sleep. When it affects me that deeply, I felt strongly about saying something and learning. Every day I’m trying to learn.”
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