Alejandro Bedoya got his Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Union off to a quick start Sunday with a third-minute goal against D.C. United in Washington.
But it was what the captain did after the goal that will get all the headlines.
The midfielder raced over to a field microphone at the sideline and delivered a pointed message heard on the television broadcast: "Hey Congress, do something now! End gun violence! Let's go!"
Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya scores a goal against D.C. United, then takes a field mic and says "Hey Congress, do something now! End gun violence! Let's go!" pic.twitter.com/yMXT6gz93G
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) August 5, 2019
Bedoya's call for action comes a day after two separate mass shootings resulted in the deaths of at least 29 in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
Before Sunday's match, Bedoya used his Twitter account to rail against "thoughts and prayers bullshit," and called for real action to curb gun violence through stricter background checks, red-flag laws, and the closing of gun show loopholes that allow private sellers to get around federal background checks.
Seeing more thoughts and prayers bullshit.
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 4, 2019
Words without actions are just worthless. America, it seems, is becoming a dystopian society.
Do something!!! Enough!!!
I’m not a policymaker either. I’m shouting at those hypocrites to get their shit together. You want some plans. We can start with stricter background checks, red flag laws, making a registry for gun purchases, closing gun show loopholes, and taxing ammunition. Better for you? https://t.co/pHNw6EdueX
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 4, 2019
Bedoya has made 66 appearances for the United States men's national team in his career.
