“She Failed America” – Ex-Boston Celtics Star Follows Donald Trump in Criticizing Megan Rapinoe After USWNT’s World Cup Humiliation

Megan Rapinoe has been a central figure for the USWNT. However, it was Rapinoe’s missed penalty that led to the USWNT getting knocked out against Sweden in the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. Amidst a wave of criticism, former Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom also has some harsh words for the OL Reigns star.

This was Rapinoe’s last World Cup representing America. Off the pitch, the former USWNT player has been speaking out about several incidents since the USA’s World Cup exit. She has been pretty vocal about the Luis Rubiales incident. But now, following Donald Trump’s comments on Rapinoe, NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has also responded with comments of his own.

Enes Kanter Freedom suggests Rapinoe has let America down

According to this report by Outkick, Kanter Freedom spoke about Megan Rapinoe and the USA’s exit from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, saying, “I follow what’s going on with her.”

“I play for the national team for my country. And it is a big responsibility and a lot of stress. And you’re not going to get perfect points every time. But blaming something that has nothing to do with you’re missing penalty kick or blaming something that has nothing to do with your failure. It’s unacceptable. I mean, she failed America. It’s unacceptable,” said the former Celtics star.“That’s what I would say,” he added.

The USWNT legend went into the World Cup with a penalty-kick conversion rate of 94.7%. So it was, perhaps, unfortunate and unexpected that she missed the penalty that led to the USWNT’s World Cup exit.

Megan Rapinoe says she’ll miss playing at the World Cup

Rapinoe was a member of the USWNT’s historic 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup victories. And has been an integral advocate for women’s soccer and women’s sports in general.

Speaking to The Atlantic, the USWNT star suggested that she would miss representing the US at World Cups. As reported by The Atlantic, Rapinoe said, “Oh, man, the buzz around it—walking into these stadiums, the feeling that, on any given day, anything can happen. There’s just something that brings out the best in players, and in teams. And if you catch that little piece of fire, it’s just special. And I’ll miss being able to represent our country.”

Talking about how grateful she was for her stellar career, she added, “I look back and feel so lucky and so grateful to have had the career that I have had, for as long as I have had it. It’ll be something that I will miss forever.”

Also read: After Missing at World Cup Led to Donald Trump’s Mocking, Megan Rapinoe Finally Scores a Penalty in OL Reign’s Loss in NWSL

Further mentioning that she’ll be backing the USWNT at the next World Cup, the USWNT icon added, “I don’t think I’ll ever not want to play in the biggest games, but I’ll be the biggest fan. I’ll be a fan at the next World Cup for sure.”

It’s certain that all US soccer fans of the USWNT will appreciate Rapinoe’s comments about representing her country. She’s had some memorable moments and performances for the USWNT over the years. And despite retiring, she will always remain an integral part of women’s soccer history.

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