In a quite temperamental election season, even a football-loving country star can get mistakenly caught in the crosshairs.
Fans of the Grammy-winning Garth Brooks went into rage mode after the charismatic musician posted a photo of himself in a Barry Sanders jersey that was confused for a endorsement of a different Sanders: Bernie Sanders.
The bewilderment started when Brooks posted an Instagram photo of himself posing after a Feb. 22 concert in Detroit. The image showed the “Ain’t Goin’ Down” singer donning the former Detroit Lions running back’s jersey. The photo was complemented by a caption that reads: “Detroit You carried me all night long But you always have I’m in love with you! love, g #GARTHinDETROIT.”
The sweet ode to a former NFL MVP and the 70,000 folks who attended his concert at Ford Field was immediately misconstrued by several fans.
Upset fans ripped Brooks in the comment sections under the photo, believing he was endorsing Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and the self-proclaimed democratic socialist’s 2020 presidential campaign.
“I had no idea you were a big freaking liberal socialist! I’ve listened to your songs for the last time!” one person wrote.
Another wrote, “If this is for Bernie Sanders, I’m done with you. I thought you were a true American that loves our country.”
Others, though, pointed out the apparent confusion about Brooks’ post or made fun of those who read too much into it.
“How much did KFC pay you to wear this?” a commenter wrote, referring to another famous Sanders: Colonel.
Twitter had a field day with the backlash Brooks endured.
Brooks has laid low since the controversy ensued during the last few days. There’s no word on which presidential candidate he actually supports. He was one of several who performed at former President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.
Those in attendance at the concert were likely a lot more clear on Brooks’ intentions. He explained during the show that he wanted to pay homage to Sanders, who, like him, attended Oklahoma State University.
“I was lucky to go to school with him,” Brooks said. “You guys got the greatest player in NFL history, in my opinion, in this jersey. I love this man.”
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