On Being Labelled “Unpatriotic” For Not Placing Her Hand Over Heart During the National Anthem:
“For me, sometimes I step back and I’m like, ‘Wait, what did I do to disrespect the people?’I’m sorry if I offended them. What have I done? When I step back, [I think] ‘Huh?’ I’m like, ‘I was standing in respect for USA. I am coming out here and representing them to the best of my abilities, so how would I be in disrespect?’ I don’t get this part. Sorry.”
Sources close to the USA team say Gabby has been noticeably distant from her teammates while she tries to deal with the hate she gets online. Gabby’s mother, Natalie Hawkins did a separate interview on the world’s attack on Gabby, saying Gabby’s “had her heart broken” by this experience.
Read that HERE.
Gabby was competing. She was sweating. Black American females, those without weaves and wigs, have a tendency to sweat their hair when it comes to physical exercise.
As far as “the hand over the heart rule,” Michael Phelps was in “full out laughter” during his appearance on the podium. Oh, and does anyone remember that, during one of the presidential debates, a picture was taken and “The Donald” did not have his hand over his heart…”The Make America Great Again” person.
Gabby did clap, although she was seated. Perhaps, at that moment, she was remembering her spot during the London games. I’m sure she felt joy for her teammates. Possibly, she was not physically able to stand at the time…we don’t know what her condition was.
So, haters – stop the hate!