This is getting out of control. With that said, pretty weak move on his part…
Via Truth Revolt:
Under pressure from LGBT groups and the South Carolina House minority leader, Clemson University Head Football Coach Dabo Swinney has announced that he will no longer attend a fundraiser held by a Christian nonprofit organization.
The June 2 fundraiser will be hosted by the Palmetto Family Council, a South Carolina-based Christian nonprofit which describes itself as dedicated to promoting “biblical principles,” particularly “the values and virtues of marriage, the traditional family model, and sexual purity.” The group supports traditional marriage, endorsed the state’s partial birth abortion law, and is dedicated to promoting religious freedom.
Swinney was to be honored at the fundraiser for his work with his own All In Foundation, which focuses on raising awareness around the state about health issues. Though Swinney explained that he had not official association with the Palmetto Family Council and was attending on behalf of all involved in the work of his foundation, the uproar from gay rights activists had made attending too much of a “distraction.”
“I appreciate the recognition of my and the foundation’s efforts,” Swinney said. “However, after much thought, in order to avoid a distraction for the team and the entire football program, I’ve decided it is in the best interests of all involved that I not attend the event on June 2.”
“It was my understanding that the nomination and selection for this award was based on the work done by our All In Foundation and the difference it is making in our community,” explained Swinney. “My acceptance of this award was to be on behalf of all the volunteers that make our foundation a success. The work of our foundation is intended to build a better community and be a positive influence.”
“Recently, my scheduled participation in this event has been perceived incorrectly as an endorsement of certain viewpoints and has entered the political arena. I have been out of town since last Thursday and am disappointed that this has become a distraction for me, my team and many others. I have been and continue to be very open about my personal beliefs. However, I do not inject those beliefs or the work of the foundation into the political process.”