A “Duck Dynasty” family member visited Atlanta on Saturday to take part in a charitable event, but he made scarce reference to the controversy surrounding them.
“We’ve had kind of a crazy week back home,” Jep Robertson, son of suspended “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson, said following the Duck Dash. “We’ve gotten a lot of support. We really appreciate it.”
Jep Robertson arrived moments before the road race, which benefited Shriners Hospitals for Children, kicked off in front of Turner Field at about 9 a.m. Organizers said more than 1,000 people participated.
“It’s good to be in Atlanta,” Robertson said. “Y’all ready to run? Remember this is for Shriners. Those guys are awesome. It’s always great to help kids.”
He then told a story about his quirky Uncle Si Robertson. It seems Uncle Si once ran so fast fleeing a pack of coyotes that his feet caught on fire. Luckily there was a puddle of water to extinguish the flames.
“I hope that doesn’t happen to you today,” Jep Robertson said. “Y’all rock!”
After sharing the lighthearted fable, he fired a ceremonial shotgun to get the runners going and was then escorted to an area where fans lined up for photos and autographs. At the awards ceremony following the race he congratulated all the runners.
“Everyone’s a winner,” he said. “If it would have been me, I would have come in next to last.”
Although Robertson had little to say, racers had plenty on their minds. In addition to artful camouflage costumes and beards, several runners sported gear paying homage to the “Duck Dynasty” patriarch, suspended by A&E following controversial comments to GQ magazine.
Sue Black and her daughter Rylie, 12, of Marietta used camo duct tape to spell out “No To A&E” and “We Want Phil” on the backs of their running jerseys.
“I think it’s sad,” Rylie said of Robertson’s suspension. “We’re ‘one nation, under God,’ but he can’t say he believes in the Bible.”
Peggy Grimes of Dallas adorned her cutoff overalls with a Christmas tree made of bright orange duct tape and a “Phil for President” sign. Karen, John and Brandi Gilbert of Cartersville raced in outfits involving lots of creative camouflage, and Karen and Brandi carried cups bearing Phil Robertson’s likeness.
“Clean, wholesome family values” is what John Gilbert said he likes about the show. “Would you rather watch that or Miley Cyrus?”
Controversy cropped up soon after news of Phil Robertson’s remarks, citing 1 Corinthians 6:9, became public: “Do not be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”
A GLAAD statement said, “Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe,” and A&E swiftly announced the suspension, saying, “His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”
The Robertson family has issued a statement indicating they may seek to part ways with A&E.
“We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”
About the Author
