In a recent interview with USA Today, baseball star David Ortiz called out republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for his infamous racist comments against Mexicans. Ortiz believes Trump’s uncalled for comments are a “slap in the face” to all Latinos.
While Ortiz admits that he doesn’t engage much in political conversations, because of his lack of knowledge on certain subject matters, he refused to not speak out against Trump’s proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. Not to mention, every other discriminatory antic he has managed to spew.
“When you speak like that about us, it’s a slap in the face,” said Ortiz, who was born in the Dominican Republic and started in the major leagues in 1997. “I walk around sometimes, and I see Mexican people trying to earn a living in an honest way. And to hear somebody make those kinds of comments, it hits you. I think as Latin people we deserve better. Things have gotten much better in that regard […] As Latin people we deserve respect, no matter where you’re from. And especially our Mexican brothers, who come here willing to do all the dirty work.”
Ortiz who is one of the Boston Red Sox’s most beloved players, plans to retire at the end of this season. He became a U.S. Citizen in 2008. Dubbed the “Big Papi,” he predicts that presidential candidates who are anti-immigrant will not win.
“Latin people here in the United States are the spark plug of the country’s economy. Whoever opposes that is going to lose. And not just Latin people, but immigrants,” he added. “I’m talking about people who come from Africa, from Asia, other places. All those people come here with one goal, to realize the American dream, and you have to include them in our group.”
Thankfully, it seems Trump isn’t winning in the popularity contest among influential people of color.