A professional American cyclist was suspended from his riding team Thursday after showing support for President Donald Trump.
The team, Trek-Segafredo, suspended Quinn Simmons, 19, for what was characterized as “divisive” comments he posted to his personal social media account, in what seemed rather benign, Fox News reported.
Simmons responded to a tweet from Jose Been, a Dutch journalist, in which she wrote that she wished for her American friends that “this horrible presidency ends for you.” She then added, “if you follow me and support Trump, you can go. There is zero excuse to follow or vote for the vile, horrible, man.”
At that, Simmons replied to her with “Bye,” along with a dark-skinned waving hand emoji. She later deleted her tweet.
Bye 👋🏿
— Quinn Simmons (@QuinnSimmons9) September 30, 2020
Another Twitter user noted that Simmons is “apparently a Trumper,” to which he responded, “That’s right,” along with a U.S. flag emoji.
That’s right 🇺🇸
— Quinn Simmons (@QuinnSimmons9) September 30, 2020
In addition, he replied to a separate tweet that contained a screenshot of his response to Been that said, “I like talented young bike racers as much as anyone, but I refused to cheer for anyone who supports a racist, hateful fascist like @QuinnSimmons9 does. I am officially rooting for everyone else.”
Shortly thereafter, Trek-Segafredo issued a statement indicating that Simmons, who was in his first season with the team, had been suspended “until further notice.”
“In response to the above, Trek-Segafredo does not condone comments or actions from its riders that add to divisive conversations. The Team will work with Quinn to help him understand the appropriate tone of conversation an athlete in his position should maintain,” the team also wrote in a Twitter post, according to Cycling News.
“We’re committed to making the sport of cycling a truly diverse and equitable space for all riders. We will be putting out a public statement soon.”
“Trek-Segafredo is an organization that values inclusivity and supports a more diverse and equitable sport for all athletes. While we support the right to free speech, we will hold people accountable for their words and actions,” the team wrote, before literally punishing Simmons for exercising his right to free speech, not to mention his political choice.
“Regrettably, team rider Quinn Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary, and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans, and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport,” the team noted. “(He) will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.
“The team and its partners will work together to determine how we will move forward and keep fans and the public informed as to the decisions made in the matter,” the statement continued.
According to Fox News, Been later wrote that she felt “horrible” about Simmons being suspended and said that she would not have wanted that for him.
In response to Simmons’ use of a dark-skinned waving hand emoji, some online claimed that was racist and pledged not to buy Trek bikes, the title sponsor of the team, in the future.
President Trump and supporters have routinely, and incorrectly, been labeled as “fascists” by leftists and liberals who mistake their patriotism for radical nationalism.
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Jon is a staff writer for BizPac Review with 30 years' worth of reporting experience, as well as an author and U.S. Army veteran. He has a BA in political science from Ashford University and an MA in national security studies/intelligence analysis from American Military University.
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