Did he, or didn’t he… and if he did, was it intentional?
Chicago Cubs player Albert Almora Jr. found himself at the center of a firestorm of criticism for allegedly flipping the middle-finger during a photo taken with President Donald Trump during the team’s visit Wednesday to the White House.
…even though Almora insists he can sleep at night because he “didn’t do it.”
And while looks can sometimes be deceiving, the player earned a new label on social media to go along with “world champion”…
Asshole of the Year Award goes to Chicago Cubs Albert Almora, Jr for what he did in the oval office: https://t.co/RKhsgsDVFl
— MARK SIMONE (@MarkSimoneNY) June 29, 2017
The image above does not capture the moment certain digits where tucked into his pocket, but the following photo does:
Photo: Chicago #Cubs meet President Trump in Oval Office: https://t.co/08a08ShA4t pic.twitter.com/4QisxSqrto
— CubsHQ.com (@ChicagoCubsHQ) June 28, 2017
But the outfielder told the Chicago Sun-Times there was “a second finger” out.
“Obviously, it’s unfortunate,” Almora said of the trumped up controversy. “I would never do that to the president of the United States.”
Did he or did he not give POTUS the middle finger? Cubs player Albert Almora Jr. denies this & says his index finger is out.
YOU TELL ME! pic.twitter.com/zMIryJyccF— Jackie Fernandez (@JackieFernTV) June 29, 2017
And he clarified that his index finger was also out of his pocket.
“We laugh about it now, but there’s definitely two fingers out there,” Almora insisted. There’s not one.”
Below are a couple of videos of the visit, which appeared to be jovial with everyone having a good time:
City of Chicago just erected a not-so-subtle gold statue in front of Trump Tower
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/880170602690215936
#BREAKING President Trump welcomes Chicago Cubs to the White House to celebrate team's World Series victory. https://t.co/lKPj5Pd4MT
— Kevin W (@kwilli1046) June 29, 2017
Nevertheless, the reaction was fierce, proving how volatile our politics have become and how quick social media is to pass judgement… with or without the full story.
Did he or didn’t he? The debate rages on… here’s a sampling of responses from Twitter:
@Cubs This should be dealt with immediately – suspend him and fine him – be brave enough to stand up to this BS! #CallitOut#Embarrassment
— Johnny Ringo (@johnny_j34ringo) June 29, 2017
And to think his father defected from Cuba. Try pulling that stunt in Cuba.
— Edward Stanco (@EdwardStanco) June 29, 2017
@Cubs Almora is a disgrace to club , USA , @potus & young fans. #fireAlmora
— Nancy (@nperrondmd) June 29, 2017
Typical classless rich pampered athlete. People call these people hero’s. Typical Chicago representative @Cubs @albertalmora @CubsJoeMadd
— Jeffrey (@Imusually) June 29, 2017
I really think this is a nothingburger. His index and middle fingers were both extended in the Daily Mail picture. Nada to see here, folks.
— Tea Party Aussie (@TeaPartyAussie) June 29, 2017
He clearly has both his middle finger and index finger extended. I can see David Ross’ middle finger too.
— Martin Niemöller (@Martin_Niemolle) June 29, 2017
Why did he even go….what a jerk…I understand u may not like trump..I did not like obAma…but would NEVER do something as disrespectful
— Dc loring (@Noselle) June 29, 2017
Zoomed in, looks like index finger is in same position as middle finger–no disrespect intended. I think this is a mistaken impression.
— Susan Prager (@SuePrager) June 29, 2017
Disgusting role model for teens!
— Deplorable Sylvia? (@macamaw61) June 29, 2017
Respect the chair. Respect the president of your country. My dad would’ve smacked me across the face if I pulled shit like that. Bad image
— Tag (@tagmesilly) June 29, 2017
@Cubs This is how you behave in our house ? ? Take notice to what’s happening to football, espn and colon kaepernick.. handle this bullshit.
— End H1-B (@hiatt618) June 29, 2017
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