Gabby Douglas issues apology over the silliest controversy of the Olympics
American gymnast Gabby Douglas won her third Olympic gold medal Tuesday, helping the "Final Five" blow away the field in the team all-around in Rio de Janeiro. After the medal ceremony finally aired, though, a number of viewers were trashing Douglas on Twitter.
@gabrielledoug There is NO excuse as to why you could not salute the flag of the country that gave you the opportunity to complete #Rio2016
— Angela (@Angipooh) August 10, 2016
@gabrielledoug shameful. Ruined the proud moment. Move somewhere else ????????
— Patricia Esham (@triciaesham) August 10, 2016
@gabrielledoug Team USA you say? Disrespecting the national anthem while claiming to represent USA. Sad.
— Rob (@FuffnaBub) August 10, 2016
Douglas noticed, and even apologized to any Americans who might have been offended.
#GoUSA❗️ #TeamUSA❗️ #FinalFive❗️ ?????????? pic.twitter.com/vzhFZxYOWb
— Gabrielle Douglas (@gabrielledoug) August 10, 2016
It is stated in the United States flag code that "all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart." Do you know who also doesn't follow that code to the letter? A very large number of athletes, most of whom haven't won an Olympic gold medal for their country.
If you're wondering, Douglas did have her hand over her heart in London four years ago.