The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee is putting fencer Race Imboden and hammer thrower Gwen Berry on probation for their National Anthem protests at the Pan-American Games.
According to the Daily Caller:
The letters of reprimand, sent Tuesday, chastise Imboden for kneeling and Berry for making a defiant fist during the playing of the national anthem during medal ceremonies, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Although the two are still eligible to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the reprimand suggests that continued political protests by the two or other U.S. athletes will not be tolerated.
“It is also important for me to point out that, going forward, issuing a reprimand to other athletes in a similar instance is insufficient,” wrote Chief Executive of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sarah Hirshland.
The two political statements raised eyebrows and provoked criticism but did not prompt an immediate response from Hirshland. Both protest actions occurred near the completion of the Lima Peru games that involve most of the Western Hemisphere.
Neither Imboden nor Berry have responded to requests for comment.
AAN Staff
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