Lou Holtz is in some hot water for what some have termed as racist comments made at the Republican National Convention.
“I don’t want to become you,” he said, via Daily Beast reporter Betsy Woodruff. “I don’t want to speak your language, I don’t want to celebrate your holidays, I sure as hell don’t want to cheer for your soccer team!”
After some reflection, the legendary college football coach and ESPN analyst expressed some regret regarding his statement in an interview with TMZ Sports. Apparently, his comment was meant as somewhat of a jest.
“I like to joke. I wished I hadn’t said, ‘I don’t want to celebrate your holidays, and cheer for your soccer teams.’ It was said in jest. But I stand by the rest of what I said about coming to America to become us.”
Holtz believes it is the obligation of every immigrant to speak English and to adapt to the United State’s cultural ideals, rather than maintaining the language and culture of their native country. And he has no intent on apologizing for that sentiment.
“All 4 of my grandparents were immigrants. They all came through Ellis Island. When they wouldn’t want me to know what they were saying, they’d speak Ukrainian. I’d ask them to teach me Ukrainian. They’d say, ‘No, you live in America. You speak English.'”
He also stands firm on his belief that he is in no way, shape or form a racist and said he isn’t upset about the criticism he has received since his RNC comment became a hot-button topic.
Holtz is staunchly supportive of the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and has given his endorsement for Trump as president.