First off, y’all know I don’t follow the volleyball, or whatever it’s called, but apparently one Christion Jones, a kick returner and running back for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, stepped in it over the weekend when, out of the blue, he Tweeted:
“Ima keep it this real…. Man ain’t suppose to be with a man. A women is not suppose to be with another women. THATS ME THO! Live life with safety.”
Let’s move beyond the illiteracy and onto one Janis Irwin, a member of the Legislative Assembly for the New Democratic Party of Canada, who responded to Jones:
“I’m going to keep this real too... I‘m a woman who loves women. Live life with kindness, and don’t worry about who other people love. Also … you play for the Edmonton Eskimos. You play a few blocks from my house at Commonwealth Stadium. I’m so proud to represent this community, but you need to know we are kind and we are welcoming. We challenge racism. We challenge homophobia. Your comments hurt.”
And Jones, still feeling himself, replied:
“We challenge racism and homophobia???? Are you serious.?? Ok after this IM DONE. WOOOOOWWWWWWWW.I never will apologize. Thank you tho bro.”
But then as Twitter came for Jones he was not done, and went after people who suggested he be removed from the team:
“They trying to get me fired now!!. A black man giving his opinion on Twitter is sickening for many. People understand that I don’t care about getting fired standing on what I stand on. An opinion is obligated.”
And finally, the Edmonton Eskimos stepped into the fray and, well, fired Jones:
Suddenly, Christion Jones was all contrite, and apologized:
“From Janis Irwin. ‘This is an opportunity for growth.’ She is absolutely right. My words were deeply hurtful, painful and served zero purpose. I added to the struggle of a community, to live a life free of oppression of any kind. I sincerely apologize. I was wrong.”
Too late, sir, and based on your previous Tweets where you said you’d never apologize, not entirely believable. It sounds like you lost your job and so that’s the reason, the only reason, you apologized.
Racism is wrong; homophobia is wrong; and both should be challenged whenever they appear.
#ByeFelicia
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