Pat Tillman’s widow asks Trump to not politicize husband’s death to ‘divide us’

PHOENIX — The widow of Pat Tillman, a former Arizona Cardinal who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2004, released a statement on Monday, pleading with President Donald Trump to not use her husband as a political pawn.

Marie Tillman shared a statement with CNN’s Brian Stelter on Monday, just hours after Trump retweeted a random tweet that used Tillman’s name and face to promote the president’s position that NFL players should stand for the National Anthem out of respect for the country.

The tweet, posted by user @jayMAGA45, read, “NFLplayer PatTillman joined U.S. Army in 2002. He was killed in action 2004. He fought 4our country/freedom. #StandForOurAnthem #BoycottNFL.”

NFLplayer PatTillman joined U.S. Army in 2002. He was killed in action 2004. He fought 4our country/freedom. #StandForOurAnthem #BoycottNFL pic.twitter.com/k1FXHRoozY

— Ⓙay (@jayMAGA45) September 24, 2017

On Monday, Marie released a statement that read, in its entirety:

“As a football player and soldier, Pat inspired countless Americans to unify. It is my hope that his memory should always remind people that we must come together.

“Pat’s service, along with that of every man and woman’s service, should never be politicized in a way that divides us. We are too great of a country for that. Those that serve fight for the American ideals of freedom, justice and democracy. They and their families know the cost of that fight. I know the very personal costs in a way I feel acutely every day.

“The very action of self expression and the freedom to speak from one’s heart — no matter those views — is what Pat and so many other Americans have given their lives for. Even if they didn’t always agree with those views. It is my sincere hope that our leaders both understand and learn from the lessons of Pat’s life and death, and also those of so many other brave Americans.”

Marie, who Stelter said has been “sharply critical of the president in the past,” said she released the statement in hopes that it will eventually reach Trump.

Fighting to reclaim Tillman’s legacy

A Deadspin article published on Monday, titled “Stop Using Pat Tillman,” claimed Tillman is not a “symbol of the supposedly tight bond between American football and American militarism and American patriotism” and argued that people — including politicians — should not use his legacy in that way.

Tillman “has become a symbol of the supposedly tight bond between American football and American militarism and American patriotism,” according to the article.

But Tillman was not a “zealous patriot who sacrificed a football career and later his life because he believed in the mission and ethos of the American war machine,” the article read.

He was a “fearless and curious man, who viewed war from the sidelines as the ultimate proving ground. He was quickly disabused of that notion, and by the time he was killed by in action, he had developed some deep and complex anti-war views,” according to the article.

Trump says NFL players should respect flag, country

Trump has spoken out against NFL players who kneel or practice another form of silent protest during the National Anthem, tweeting about it at least 18 times since Saturday.

If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

…our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick started the kneeling movement last year when he played for the San Francisco 49ers, refusing to stand during “The Star-Spangled Banner” to protest the treatment of black people by police. Kaepernick became a free agent and has not been signed by a new team for this season.

Without identifying Kaepernick, Trump aimed a Friday talk at a Huntsville, Alabama, rally at those players who have knelt for the anthem.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, you’d say, ‘Get that son of a b**** off the field right now. Out! He’s fired,’” he said to loud applause.

The White House on Monday also claimed that the NFL protests have to do with disrespecting the flag and not speaking out against racial inequality and police brutality, like the players have stated.

Trump’s remarks provoked team owners and the NFL to stridently defend the sport and its players. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has taken heat for Kaepernick’s struggle to find a team, quickly condemned Trump’s comments.

“The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we’ve experienced over the last month,” Goodell said.

“Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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