Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ian Cole was candid Monday when talking about the Steelers’ decision to not be on the field during the national anthem before Sunday’s game.
“I think that’s the beauty of this country is that people have the ability to do things like that. You know, obviously, Villanueva was out, and that’s his right as well,” Cole said after practicing with the Penguins Monday morning. “I don’t think anyone should be looked down upon for whatever they choose to do, and everyone has a right to do whatever they want.”
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Shortly before it was announced that the Steelers would not take the field during the national anthem, the Penguins announced that the team accepted an invitation to the White House to celebrate their 2017 Stanley Cup victory. Cole said the Penguins’ decision is not political.
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