Pennsylvania GOP official who called kneeling NFL players ‘baboons’ resigns

A county GOP official in Pennsylvania resigned on Friday, just a day after it was revealed that she repeatedly called NFL players who kneeled during the national anthem “baboons.”
Carla Maloney, secretary of the Republican Committee of Beaver County, made the comments in a series of Facebook posts last year, according to The Beaver County Times.
Maloney reportedly published the posts under the name Carla Belich Fueller.
On Friday, Maloney acknowledged writing “distasteful, inappropriate and insensitive” posts on social media and apologized.
{mosads}“Those that know me know that I come from a diverse family that represents modern America,” Maloney said in a statement posted on Facebook by the Republican Committee of Beaver County.
“I know I am a better person than this and, as I step away from these public positions…From the bottom of my heart, I again apologize for my remarks, my poor taste, and the problems they have caused.”
Maloney’s letter says that her resignation is effective immediately.
The Beaver County Times said that the Facebook page on which Maloney reportedly made the disparaging remarks no longer exists. But county officials confirmed to the newspaper that her posts about NFL players were authentic.
Among other things, Maloney predicted that a civil war would start “soon[er] than later” and complained about “reverse racism.”
After the Pittsburg Steelers elected to remain in the locker room during the national anthem before their Sept. 24, 2017, game in Chicago, she reportedly called the players “baboons” multiple times.
“Steelers are now just as bad as the rest of the over paid baboons,” she said. “You respect your flag, country and our national anthem. How many men and women have lost limbs or died to protect this country and you baboons want respect.”
“Let’s see how the baboons get paid when white people stop paying their salaries,” she added.
Her resignation comes during a time in which on-field protests from NFL players gives rise to increasing controversy. President Trump has repeatedly railed against players who kneel during the anthem.
Still, a number of players have continued their on-field protests during preseason games this month.
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