New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow is under fire for a tweet that was retweeted by the New York Times that was deemed “racist and insensitive.”
Tebow was responding to a tweet from a user who said, “I can’t believe people like Tim Tebows, and the NFL, still think it’s OK to throw the footballs to people with Down syndrome.”
Tebows response was, “No, it’s not.
They just didn’t think it was cool.”
Tebrows Twitter account has since been deleted, but he was criticized by many on Twitter.
On Monday, the Jets released a statement to ESPNCricinfo that read, “The New York City Police Department has taken swift action against a former employee for violating the New Yorker’s code of conduct for employees and is looking into further actions taken against him.
We have a culture where everyone respects each other and is respectful of each other.
We support our employees and encourage them to respect the law.”
He also wrote, “Tim Tebow has a history of supporting equality and has always taken an inclusive stance on our Nation’s capital and all of its people.”
In an email to ESPN, Faraday, a lawyer who specializes in employment law, said that “any employee or employee of a company that engages in discriminatory practices is subject to discipline and legal action under New York law.”
His attorney said he would not comment further on Tebows tweets, but Faraday also wrote that he was sorry if he offended anyone and would do so “when the matter is resolved.”
On Twitter, many pointed out that Tebow had previously tweeted that “It’s not OK to disrespect the law or people with disabilities” and that “No matter what you think about them, they are not stupid.”
The NFL has since released a memo to players clarifying its stance on the matter.
Tebow said on Twitter on Monday that he had “not had the luxury to look at [the tweet] in detail and can’t comment.”
In a statement, the NFL said that the incident was “out of line” and called it “incredibly offensive.”
“The NFL takes its obligation to ensure that everyone on the field is treated with respect, dignity and respect, as we do every day,” the statement read.
“In this case, Tim Tebowski, who has been with the Jets for more than 10 years, made offensive and insensitive comments that were insensitive and offensive to people who are in the same situation as he is.
The comments did not reflect the values of the NFL or its members, and we regret the way the situation has been handled.
The Jets and Tim Tebulowski have been cooperating with law enforcement, and he is under a thorough investigation.
We are deeply disappointed by these actions.”