Megan Rapinoe, the well-known soccer player, concluded her professional career on Sunday with a gesture that has become all too familiar – remaining stoic during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. This act is consistent with her past behavior, which has often been viewed as disrespectful to the country that gave her fame and fortune.
Rapinoe first gained notoriety in 2016 when she stopped singing the national anthem as a form of “peaceful protest” against perceived inequality and injustice. Following in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick, she used her platform to draw attention to her causes, often at the expense of the United States.
To add to the controversy, Sunday’s match included a ceremony honoring Rapinoe, which some critics saw as another opportunity for her to express her disdain for the country. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly criticized Rapinoe’s behavior, noting that she didn’t sing the anthem, didn’t place her hand on her heart, and appeared angry throughout the ceremony.
Rapinoe’s actions during the anthem are just one part of her history of activism. She has been a vocal advocate for equal pay in women’s soccer, even though the sport doesn’t draw the same viewership as the men’s game. She has also defended the inclusion of biological men in women’s sports under the banner of transgender rights.
Despite Rapinoe’s assertion that she is a beloved figure in the sport, there are many who believe her political activism has overshadowed her contributions to soccer. As she retires from the game, some hope that the sports world will become a more pleasant and less contentious place.