Donovan's support of Mexico has sparked backlash among former and current U.S. internationalsGETTY IMAGES
Former USMNT player Landon Donovan as part of an ad campaign for Wells Fargo tweeted a photo of himself promoting Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, and his post "drew instant ire from U.S. fans along with several of his former teammates," according to Mark Zeigler of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Donovan in his tweet is "holding a green scarf with the words, 'My other team is Mexico,'" and was "wearing a Mexico T-shirt in a video in which he says, 'Vamos Mexico.'" Donovan "came out of retirement this year" to play with Liga MX club Leon (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/17). The ads have "sparked backlash among U.S. internationals past and present" (ESPN.com, 6/16). In Chicago, David Haugh noted Donovan also "taped a Modelo beer commercial encouraging fans to support Mexico in the World Cup" with the USMNT not playing. Modelo "called Donovan" with the idea of a campaign "built around the curse" of Mexico not making it past the Round of 16 since '86. Donovan in the spot meets up with former MLBer David Ross, and the ad "ends after about a minute of conversation about their respective careers with them clinking their bottles of Modelo together for a toast" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/15).
EVERYBODY HAS A PRICE: Donovan has been roundly criticized for taking part in the campaigns from former USMNT members and members of the media. ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, a former national team member, said, “Everyone has their own price tag apparently." He added, "What would you do if Messi was holding up a Brazilian flag yesterday? It would never happen because their rivalry is healthy. ... It just came across as completely tone deaf to me. But for me, it’s all about the rivalry. I don’t care how much money you offer me, I’m not rooting for Mexico" (“Golic & Wingo,” ESPN Radio, 6/18). Twellman added, "Landon Donovan, months ago, was crowd surfing with the American Outlaws, the supporters group of the U.S. national team. How does he look them in the face and say, ‘Sorry, the U.S. isn't there, I need you to support Mexico?’” ESPN’s Jalen Rose said, “All money is not good money. It makes him look like a corporate shield. It’s going to make him look like a sell out amongst those in his fraternity. ... He can't be selling off for a check like that” (“Get Up!,” ESPN, 6/18). Former USMNT player Kyle Martino wrote on Twitter, "Can’t tell u how disappointing it is to have made personal & financial sacrifices to try & hold our federation accountable only to see former USMNT players profit off the result of that poor governance by asking US fans to support our rivals in the tournament we failed to reach." Former USMNT player Herculez Gomez: "I’m Mexican- American and I proudly represented the USMNT. Wife is Mexican. Our daughter was born in Farmington, Connecticut. Cheer for whomever the hell you want. Not because a beer company or bank paid 'Influencers' to tell you" (TWITTER.com, 6/17).
