The Pittsburgh Steelers are responding to fans who are angry that two players were at a May 30 rally held by President Donald Trump.
According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac, the team sent an email to season-ticket holders who were upset that quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Miles Killebrew, the team’s special teams captain, and former running back Rocky Bleier went on stage at the event that was supposed to highlight the new deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel.
Dulac said Steelers fans were irate over the three being at the event and began contacting the team through email, calls and social media.
“We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As valued fans, your voice is an essential part of what makes our Steelers community and fan base so strong,” the team said in the email. “We understand that a recent rally in Pittsburgh has generated a range of reactions from our fan base. Our alumni and current players make their own individual decisions that reflect their views, and they do not necessarily represent the view of the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your passion and your continued support of the team.”
Dulac also noted that the Rooney family, who owns the team, has significant ties to the Democratic Party, with Dan Rooney serving as ambassador to Ireland during former President Barack Obama’s tenure.
Rudolph’s appearance at the rally also led to the hashtag #MylesWasRight on X, formerly Twitter, referring to claims made by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in 2019 that Rudolph called him a racial slur, sparking Garrett to go after Rudolph and be ejected from a game and suspended for the final six games of the season.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.