In the midst of the mass kneeling protests going on in the world of professional sports, it seems like everyone is adding their two cents, including volunteer Fire Chief Paul Smith of Cecil Township.

Paul Smith was once the fire chief of Cecil Township, before he took to social media to express his feelings toward the Pittsburgh Steelers decision to not go out on the field against the Chicago Bears in week three of the NFL schedule.

In a short post to Facebook, Smith stated “Tomlin just added himself to the list of no good n******. Yes I said it.” Smith did indeed call Head Coach Mike Tomlin the n-word in his short outburst to Facebook. Upon realizing his mistake, Smith issued a statement to multiple news agency for his actions.

In a statement regarding the post, Smith said: “I am embarrassed at this. I want to apologize. I was frustrated and angry at the Steelers not standing for the anthem. I am on vacation. This had nothing to do with my fire department. I regret what I said.”

Before I continue, I would like to ask some questions.

How and why was he embarrassed at their action? Why is he apologizing? Could he have handled his frustration and anger in a different way? Is he sure this has nothing to do with his fire department? Does he truly regret what he stated?

Smith said he was frustrated that the Steelers did not stand for the national anthem. The keyword there is stand. How do we know that they did not stand? There weren’t cameras recording the team in the locker room. Sure some may have stood, while others may have sat, but why does that matter? The answer is, it doesn’t.

Whatever another American does, as long as they aren’t breaking the law or causing others harm, should not affect another individual in any way, shape or form. When it comes to politics, go for it. Let your voice be heard. After all, it is one of our duties as Americans to vote, and it is our First Amendment right to speak freely, however that does not make us free from consequences as evident by Smith being dismissed from his position.

This mass kneeling protest taking place is not meant to signify that one is disrespecting the country, flag or the armed forces that protect us, but it is trying to state that people from all walks of life will not tolerate racial inequality and injustice which seems to be going over several heads.

There is no need for apology as what has been said cannot be taken back or erased. His action has been archived, a screen shot has been taken and shared amongst multiple social media platforms. If Smith truly regretted what he said, he never would have said it in the first place.

If Smith has this type of animosity toward African-Americans, how does he feel about other minority groups?

Smith’s action has made me question if he is fit to be in charge of a group of first responders. If he used this term to describe Coach Tomlin, how would he treat another minority in a time of danger?

It’s great knowing that someone like this is no longer in charge of public servants that are trained to save civilians in times they are desperately needed, especially in a country that takes pride in being diverse and inclusive. In a country that does just that, there should be no space for hate of any kind.