UPDATED 8/9/19 12:38 p.m. ET: Wide receiver Kenny Stills says he's received death threats after criticizing Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for supporting Trump. He claims his tweet calling out Ross has been met with at least five people threatening his life, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Stills hasn't backed down from his comments. After Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons, the wide receiver mentioned to reporters that he's "sure" he'll speak directly to Ross about his issues at some point.
"I think there’s other candidates that he could support," Stills said. "It’s not about Democrat or Republican or any of those things. It’s literally about why. Why are you trying to help this man raise money to continue to do things that he’s been doing?"
Miami Dolphins WR Kenny Stills speaks to the media after tonight’s 34-27 victory over the Falcons. Stills recently had some critical comments regarding team owner Stephen Ross’ President Trump fundraiser. #FinsUp #NFLPreseason #NABJ19 #ATLvsMIA #MeetMeInMiami pic.twitter.com/EPbHkKERbR
UPDATED 8/7/19 7:00 p.m. ET: Stephen Ross has released a statement concerning his support for Trump and the fundraiser he's hosting for him.
Statement from Stephen Ross: pic.twitter.com/nvn3pmAPVE
See original story below.
Members of Equinox and SoulCycle are calling for boycotts of the popular fitness brands after news spread that the companies' owner, Stephen Ross, is throwing a fundraiser for Donald Trump's re-election.
Ross, who also owns the Miami Dolphins, is turning over his home in the Hamptons for the fundraiser and tickets are selling for up to $250,000 a piece. Once news of Ross' affiliations reached Twitter, the presumably progressive customer base of his largely urban gym chains called for an immediate boycott.
Current customers were left to reconsider their subscriptions.
Ross is getting bashed on all sides, including by his own players. The Dolphins' Kenny Stills called out the hypocrisy between Ross' charitable work and his support of Trump. A source told the Sun-Sentinel that Ross does not support Trump’s views regarding race."
Sports reporters wondered if Stills' direct rebuke of Ross' fundraiser would hurt his standing with the Miami Dolphins.
SoulCycle's CEO Melanie Whelan and Equinox issued statements on social media saying they have nothing to do with the event.
A note from our CEO pic.twitter.com/UwxBWR76B0