Steelers’ Mendenhall tries to clarify comments on Twitter

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall wrote a “clarification” of his comments made Monday on Twitter regarding the death of Osama bin Laden.

In a tweet posted around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, he linked to an in-depth blog post. In that entry, he wrote that he does not support bin Laden, and that he aimed clear things up, for not only himself, but also the Steelers.

On Monday, Pittsburgh’s leading rusher caused enough of a stir with his tweets, that the Steelers felt compelled to release a statement.

Among Mendenhall’s posts, the day after the bin Laden news broke, was: “What kind of person celebrates death? It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side...”

Wednesday’s offering, though, was a different story.

“I appreciate those of you who have decided to read this letter and attain a greater understanding of my recent Twitter posts. I see how they have gotten misconstrued, and wanted to use this outlet as a way to clear up all things that do not truthfully represent myself, what I stand for personally, and any organization that I am a part of.

“First, I want people to understand that I am not in support of Bin Laden, or against the USA.”

Mendenhall also specifically pointed out the “celebrates death” tweet.

“This controversial statement was something I said in response to the amount of joy I saw in the event of a murder. I don’t believe that this is an issue of politics or American pride; but one of religion, morality, and human ethics.”