Ex-Jet Douzable blasts Trump
HAITIAN NFL players sounded off this weekend in response to President Donald Trump reportedly calling their home nation a “s--hole” country during an immigration meeting with lawmakers in the Oval Office.
“My island ain’t a s---hole,” former Jets defensive lineman and current 49er Leger Douzable told Sports Illustrated.
Douzable was born in Tampa, Fla. His biological father died in the 2010 Haitian earthquake that killed more than 100,000 people and continues to affect the island, according to SI. Douzable has made multiple offseason trips to Haiti and works alongside Haitian-American players Elvis Dumervil (49ers) and Cliff Avril (Seahawks) to build homes in the country, SI reports.
“It’s absurd to call it a shithole,” Douzable said. “If you look at the history of the Haitain people, we are some of the strongest people on earth. To win our independence and help other Caribbean islands get their freedom? Dealing with hurricanes and earthquakes. It shows our grit.”
Avril took to Twitter to voice his disgust. “As a proud descendant of Haiti, I’m disappointed by the divisive words from the President,” he wrote. “Haitians and others have contributed to this country and should be able to continue to do so.”
Trump’s comments reportedly came in response to lawmakers when they brought up potential protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries as part of a bipartisan deal.
“Why are we having all these people from s---hole countries come here?” Trump said, according to the Washington Post.
Later, Trump also specifically brought up Haiti. “Why do we need more Haitians?” Trump said, per the Post. “Take them out.”
In 2016, Haitians also dealt with Hurricane Matthew which inflicted nearly $2 billion in damage to the country and killed at least 546 people.
“There are amazing Haitians in America who are assets to this country, who are helping both countries with hard work and charity,” 49ers wide receiver Pierre Garcon told SI. “Haitians, and really all immigrants, have it harder. …You’re trying to learn the language and do things the way they do it here, play by the rules and be an asset to your country. And you still have people say that about your country and your people? It infuriates you, but you still have to respect the country you’re in and your president.”
“I’m proud to be a Haitian and an American,” Vikings linebacker Emmanuel Lamur said. “This is who God made me to be. Would you say the same thing about Haiti if one of your grandchildren was Haitian? Why not use your gift to make the world a better place? We have many great people in this world of all races and nationalities who have done great things Where’s the love?”