Apparently, loading up on massive amounts of steroids or other illegal substances isn’t the only thing that can get a professional cyclist in trouble. It’s just as detrimental and career-threatening to engage in a social media spat and showing support for President Trump. Quinn Simons is a 19-year-old member of the Trek-Segafredo team, or at least he was. He was suspended Thursday for what the team described as “divisive” comments on his personal Twitter account.
Here’s how it all apparently went down. A Dutch journalist named Jose Been posted a Tweet in which she said she hoped for her American friends that “this horrible presidency ends for you,” and followed that with “If you follow me and support Trump, you can go.”
Simmons then tweeted a reply to Been and included the word “bye” and added a black hand emoji waving. Next, a different person tweeted that Simmons was “apparently a Trumper.”
What Simmons did next is what temporarily ended his professional cycling career. He replied, “That’s right,” and posted an American flag emoji with it. Shortly after, the racing team released a statement that said Simmons can park his bike in his garage until further notice, adding. “Regrettably, team rider Quinn Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary, and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans, and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport. “(He) will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.”
Simmons is a promising cyclist and was the winner of the 2019 UCI Junior Road Race World Championship. Fox News reported that Been felt horrible and would not have wanted Simmons suspended. She felt bad enough that she deleted her Twitter account.
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