Photo by the Seattle Seahawks
MANILA, Philippines – National Football League (NFL) wide receiver Doug Baldwin Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks showed support for the Philippines before an American football game between the Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings Monday (Manila time).
Baldwin came out carrying the Philippine flag before the start of the match but the flag was upside down with the red part over the blue portion.
A Philippine flag in that manner signals that the country is in a state of war.
Baldwin later apologized to those who were offended and explained why the flag he came out with was inverted on his Twitter account.
“If I offended anyone of the Philippines, it was not my intent,” Baldwin (@DougBaldwinJr) posted. “I only meant to call attention to the plight of the people devastated by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).”
“The aftermath of the typhoon can be compared to conditions after a battle during war.”
The Seahawks, who currently own the best record in the league at 10-1, have also raised over $24,000 for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda,” according to their official Twitter account.
“Leyte is battling to overcome the ravages of typhoon Haiyan. My blessings and well wishes are with the families impacted by this disaster,” Baldwin continued.
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