Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment.
Of course, freedom of the press is also covered in that inalienable right.
So, with those two things in mind, Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant attempted to clarify controversial comments he made about Eagles fans following Sunday’s win.
Avant, one of the most affable guys on the entire roster, was quoted as saying the following:
“We don’t want people jumping on our bandwagon now. We want people to go out and still talk bad about us.”
Avant addressed reporters yesterday for the first time since dropping that bombshell. The veteran wouldn’t apologize and said he thought his comments were blown out of proportion by the media.
“The fans I guess called in stations and gave their opinions, right? I’m a person, this is America, right? I can have an opinion, right? That’s my opinion,” Avant said. “I take offense when you have signs outside talking about firing my coach. I take offense to it. Definitely not apologizing for that.”
Avant added that everyone, specifically pointing to the reporters surrounding his locker, knows that he’s not malicious in any way. In fact, Avant is one of the most religious players in the Eagles’ locker room, as evidenced after every big catch when he raises his hands to the heavens in jubilation.
“I play my hardest for Jesus Christ and this team,” he said.
But how about those fair-weather fans that jumped off the bandwagon? Are they allowed back?
“Who am I to allow anybody back?” Avant said. “I am a guy who goes over the middle. I don’t have that type of authority. Everybody is welcome back.”
