Cubs star Anthony Rizzo rips people for claiming he wants 'gun control'
Other than the horror of innocent lives being lost, there is perhaps nothing more sickening when it comes to a mass shooting than people trying to politicize the tragedy for personal gain.
Yes, there are uncomfortable conversations that often need to be had about what can prevent such a tragedy.
No, it’ll never be as simple as “gun control,” as if those two words put together is some miracle elixir.
People who spout off about “gun control” without offering concrete and tangible measures just to pander to the lowest denominator of the political pulpit are simply adding to the divisive climate without providing any real solutions.
Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo experienced firsthand the depths that some people stoop in order to push their political agenda at the expense of grieving parents and loved ones.
The tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where Nikolas Cruz stands accused of shooting and killing 17 people, hit particularly close to home for the Cubs first baseman.
Rizzo, 28, graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2007. He has helped donate money to the school, and personally knew some of the people who died in the shooting, such as assistant football coach Aaron Feis, who Rizzo played for while attending the school.
The niece of Rizzo’s agent was also among those killed by the gunman.
The shaken Rizzo left Cubs training camp last week to speak to his alma mater and attend various vigils.
“While I don’t have all the answers, I know that something has to change, before this is visited on another community, and another community, and another community,” Rizzo said Thursday night at a candlelight vigil.
“I come home to Parkland to what should be everybody’s first concern, and that’s showing our kids out there — the students at Stoneman Douglas and of Broward County and from all over the country — that we care about their lives and about their future,” Rizzo said at a separate event.
Not surprisingly, a lot of people began running with Rizzo’s heartfelt comments and turning them political.
Hacks who saw an opportunity to bastardize Rizzo’s remarks to be pro-unilateral “gun control” didn’t hesitate to do so.
Rizzo fired back at those people Monday at a Cubs press conference, per ESPN.
“I thought the speech was important, to speak with the kids and families that were affected,” Rizzo said. “I’m really proud to see what Parkland is doing and what the kids are doing and speaking out. And trying to make a difference. I stand behind my community.”
Rizzo then directed his ire to those who tried to politicize his show of support.
“To be very clear, I did not say the word ‘gun’ one time,” Rizzo said. “Anyone out there who wrote I’m calling for gun control is very irresponsible. I did not say that once. I don’t know enough about it. I don’t know what needs to be done, but some type of change needs to happen for the better.”
Rizzo’s actual comments are completely within reason. Experts smarter than Rizzo can argue the merits of stricter gun restriction laws and those conversations are certainly worth having.
But to put words in Rizzo’s mouth by saying he’s pro-gun control? That goes beyond politicizing for personal gain and into politicizing others for personal gain.
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