Fire chief posts racial slur over Steelers failure to show for National Anthem
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It’s an understatement to say there’s a bit of emotion out there over the NFL, President Trump and the National Anthem. In Muse, Pennsylvania (Washington County) Muse Fire Department Chief Paul “Smitty” Smith put himself right in the middle of all of this by using a racial slur in a Facebook post expressing outrage over Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to have his team sit out the National Anthem. As has been widely reported, the Steelers, with the exception of Army Ranger and Bronze Star winner Alejandro Villanueva, remained in the locker room.
“The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors is deeply disturbed by the comments made by volunteer Chief Smith, and in no way, shape or form condone his comments,” said the township manager.
Chief Paul Smith was commenting on a post about the Steelers’ decision not to participate in the national anthem on the field and wrote, “Tomlin just added himself to the list of no good n-words. Yes I said it.”
Smith is captain (actually he is chief) of Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Department Number 2 in Muse. He is currently out of the country on vacation, but said he regrets the statement.
“I am embarrassed at this,” he told Channel 11. “I want to apologize. I was frustrated and angry at the Steelers not standing for the anthem. … This had nothing to do with my fire department. I regret what I said.”
Chief Smith said:
“I am embarrassed at this. I want to apologize. I was frustrated and angry at the Steelers not standing for the Anthem.” He went on to say, “My FD had absolutely nothing to do with this. I am deeply regretful at what I posted.”
The Cecil Township Board of Supervisors responded saying it is “deeply disturbed by the comments made by Volunteer Chief Smith, and in no way, shape or form condone his comments. In that the volunteer fire departments are independent entities, the board suggests contacting the president of the Muse Fire Department regarding any further comment or action.”
