The legendary 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic “Miracle on Ice” hockey team tarnished their own legacy by participating in a photo-op with President Donald Trump complete with wearing MAGA hats, going from beating the Russians to supporting what some call one of their top stooges.
Once considered heroes for defeating the Soviet Union’s hockey team as underdogs, the “Miracle on Ice” team took the stage with Trump at one of his rallies and wore the hat that has become synonymous with hate, division, and racism in many people’s view.
Afterward, the team posted photos of their appearance with Trump.
“ The name on the front is more important than the name on the back”. ???? #MiracleonIce #40Years pic.twitter.com/mLXIEjhvv3
— 1980 Miracle Hockey Team (@1980MiracleTeam) February 21, 2020
And then they tried to spin it by claiming their decision to appear with Trump was not about politics even though they wore the MAGA hat.
To us, this is not about politics or choosing sides. This is about proudly representing the United States of America. Whether your beliefs are Democratic, Republican, Independent, etc. we support that and are proud to represent the USA. It is an honor and privilege! ????
— 1980 Miracle Hockey Team (@1980MiracleTeam) February 22, 2020
If they wanted to represent America, they should have worn a different hat or declined to share the stage with a bigoted wannabe dictator who is destroying this country piece by piece while kowtowing to Vladimir Putin.
Needless to say, Twitter users were outraged and the “Miracle on Ice” team found themselves on the receiving end of deep disappointment from longtime fans.
Ugh…. so disappointed by the @1980MiracleTeam. I loved watching that game as a kid with my dad. Loved watching the movie with my kids. To see them on a stage, in maga hats—kinda crushing I have to say.
— Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) February 23, 2020
— George Searfoss (@geosearfoss3434) February 23, 2020
Cowardly statement. Pure cowardice.
— Frank Martinelli (@FPMartinelli27) February 23, 2020
an own goal from the americans gives russia a shocking last second victory.
— itstimothydavis (@itstimothydavis) February 23, 2020
Yup. 40 years ago we beat the USSR. Today Russia owns us. The Miracle Team in MAGA hats illustrates the full circle in the most clear, stark terms. Kudos, Russia.
— PD (@CitizenBatman) February 23, 2020
OMG, one of the most thrilling sports events of my life has been ruined. Thanks for nothing.
— Ann Brennan (@4nnB) February 23, 2020
They gave America hope in 1980, only to embrace authoritarianism in 2020
— The Faceless Man-Child (@FacelessManBaby) February 23, 2020
Turns out that the Russians won in the end. You spoiled forever a treasured moment of national pride and joy.
— Notinmyname (@NastyNana16) February 23, 2020
I was a kid when you won. I was so in awe of you. I see you in those MAGA hats now and I’m ashamed. Shame on you.
— Rokey?? I Block Idiots (@rokeypdx) February 23, 2020
I wish that I had never seen this picture, you were once heroes, now you make me sick.
— Steve Georgeff (@macedonian069) February 23, 2020
The “Miracle on Ice” team should be ashamed of themselves. They no longer deserve the glory they’ve been basking in over the last 40 years. Appearing with Trump wearing MAGA hats makes them zeroes, not heroes.
Featured Image: Twitter
