John Valko, a co-owner of a Wisconsin bar, apparently loves America but hates free speech, this after he made a violent suggestion towards NFL players who are joined in peaceful protests. Valko took to Facebook to essentially call for the execution of players who engage in kneeling during the National Anthem and related demonstrations.
Local outlet The Journal Times reports:
John Valko is “stepping aside” from his role as a co-owner of Reefpoint Brew House and apologized for the controversial Facebook comment he posted Monday.
Valko was engulfed in online controversy earlier this week after he wrote a comment on Facebook that suggested “killing” NFL players who knelt during the national anthem. In a statement Thursday, he apologized for his actions, saying that the community had “every right to condemn” the words he used.
“Today, I offer up my sincerest apology to every person, near and far, my wife, my family, my friends, Tom Landreman, Patti Landreman, Meagan Bennett and all the employees of the restaurant that have been hurt by words I used,” Valko said.
Valko wrote in the message, “Kill the idiot players. Execute them. They are nothing but garbage. The league is screwed up if they think it is their right.”
Partners of Valko have distanced themselves from him and the statements and announced he is stepping aside and soon to his relinquish ownership stake in the bar.
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Photo: Getty Images
