What Rashard Mendenhall said

Boy, if the Penguins are eliminated from the playoffs, people really have to search for topics to discuss this time of year.

As most people know by now, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall tweeted some controversial remarks following the death of Osama bin laden earlier in the week. Everyone has an opinion on what Mendenhall said. A lot of people were offended by his comments. I mean, how can he wonder out-loud if bin laden was really responsible for the September 11th attacks? How dare he throw a conspiracy theory out there?

And naturally, since we now live in an era of overreacting, many are suggesting that Mendenhall be released by the Steelers. Of course, that's utterly ridiculous. I mean, how can you punish a person for having an opinion? Do I agree with what Mendenhall tweeted? No, but I've had many discussions about what happened on September 11th, 2001 with people from various walks of life who share views similar to Mendenhall's. Never once did I call up their boss and insist that they be fired.

Unfortunately, social media, like twitter and facebook, has let us in on the intimate thoughts of people of celebrity like never before. Twenty years ago, we probably would have never known Mendenhall's thoughts on bin laden. But since we live in the age of social media, his opinions became national news.

Can you imagine if social media outlets were available when Terry Bradshaw was still playing? How about Bubby Brister? You think Greg Lloyd may have turned some heads in the 90's had Twitter existed?

I wonder if fans would have called for Bradshaw's release if he tweeted controversial opinions on the Vietnam war.

People are also wondering why they should care about what athletes or any celebrities think about politics or religion. "Mendenhall should just keep his mouth shut and stick to football." Well, why is it okay for Joe the accountant or Sally the teacher to call up talk shows and voice their opinions on politics, religion, or sports, but it's not okay for Rashard the football player to voice his opinions on various subjects? What makes me qualified to write this blog? After all, I don't have a degree in sports journalism. I never played professional football. Why should I be commenting on the Mendenhall matter?

The only thing Mendenhall is guilty of is having an opinion that differs from the majority. Maybe you won't be able to cheer for him like you once did. But let me ask you this: Do you have a friend that has political views that you don't agree with? When you have a get-together, do you exclude that friend just because of his or her opinions on politics?

You might not agree with Mendenhall, and yes, you have every right to boo him, but you have no right to censor him. After all, we live in America, the land of the free. And that includes opinions.