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Tony LaRussa Defends Decision to Attend Glen Beck Rally
By Melanie R. on August 28, 2010
Tony LaRussa did not expect to cause controversy when he decided to attend Glen Beck’s rally in Washington in Saturday. He went along with Cardinals first baseman and super slugger Albert Pujols, who was there to receive an award recognizing his community and charity work.
However, LaRussa told the press, by Saturday afternoon phones calls were already coming into the Cardinals front office complaining about his participation in the rally. He also said that the Walnut Creek, Calif., Animal Rescue Foundation he operates had also received complaints.
However the criticism did not bother him he said. Glen Beck billed the rally as a spiritual rather than political event, and that is how LaRussa choose to view it.
“It was beyond gratifying. I was inspired. There were a lot of things that inspired me. It was more religious, much more religious (than political). … “said LaRussa “ I’ll raise money for those folks anytime. Albert got a legitimate award I was asked to introduce. I don’t see the problem.”
Albert Pujols’ felt much the same way. He uses his super celebrity status all the time, to help those in need. He has a foundation to aid those with Down’s Syndrome and he also works with several groups to aid the poor in the Dominican Republic, where he was born.
Pujols was confused by the criticism of his presence at the rally, which attracted an estimated 300,000 people.
“I know a lot of people were thinking it was going to be a political thing or something like that. What I heard was … everybody praising God for the amazing things done in their life, family and the soldiers,” Pujols said.
LaRussa defended his attendance, saying that since he was there as a private individual and not as the manager of the St Louis Cardinals then fans and donators have no reason to be critical. “If it was wrong for me to participate, then it’s my mistake,” he said. “I did it as a personal choice, and what can they say? I wasn’t representing the Cardinals. They didn’t co-sign it. They just, I think, respected my choice.”
By Melanie R. on August 28, 2010
Tony LaRussa did not expect to cause controversy when he decided to attend Glen Beck’s rally in Washington in Saturday. He went along with Cardinals first baseman and super slugger Albert Pujols, who was there to receive an award recognizing his community and charity work.
However, LaRussa told the press, by Saturday afternoon phones calls were already coming into the Cardinals front office complaining about his participation in the rally. He also said that the Walnut Creek, Calif., Animal Rescue Foundation he operates had also received complaints.
However the criticism did not bother him he said. Glen Beck billed the rally as a spiritual rather than political event, and that is how LaRussa choose to view it.
“It was beyond gratifying. I was inspired. There were a lot of things that inspired me. It was more religious, much more religious (than political). … “said LaRussa “ I’ll raise money for those folks anytime. Albert got a legitimate award I was asked to introduce. I don’t see the problem.”
Albert Pujols’ felt much the same way. He uses his super celebrity status all the time, to help those in need. He has a foundation to aid those with Down’s Syndrome and he also works with several groups to aid the poor in the Dominican Republic, where he was born.
Pujols was confused by the criticism of his presence at the rally, which attracted an estimated 300,000 people.
“I know a lot of people were thinking it was going to be a political thing or something like that. What I heard was … everybody praising God for the amazing things done in their life, family and the soldiers,” Pujols said.
LaRussa defended his attendance, saying that since he was there as a private individual and not as the manager of the St Louis Cardinals then fans and donators have no reason to be critical. “If it was wrong for me to participate, then it’s my mistake,” he said. “I did it as a personal choice, and what can they say? I wasn’t representing the Cardinals. They didn’t co-sign it. They just, I think, respected my choice.”
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