Rugby player apologises for calling Obama a ‘whore’
GLASGOW, Scotland (AFP) — A Scottish rugby player has been warned about his “completely inappropriate” language after calling US president Barack Obama a “whore” on Twitter.
When praising Ron Paul, a candidate to be the Republican Party’s nominee for the 2012 presidential election, Rory Lamont said on January 4: “He doesn’t work for Wall Street like that whore Obama.”
As well as Obama, the 29-year-old Lamont has taken to the social networking site to make derogatory remarks about a number of politicians including British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The injury-plagued player, who in 26 Tests for Scotland has scored six tries and represented his country at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand, took to Twitter yesterday to apologise for his remarks.
“If I have ever caused any offence from the language used in my tweets, I do apologise,” Lamont said.
Lamont, in Scotland’s squad for next month’s Six Nations Championship, rejoined Glasgow after the World Cup from French club Toulon, having previously played for English Premiership side Sale.
In a joint statement issued with Glasgow, the Scottish Rugby Union’s communications director Dominic McKay said: “Social media provides a platform for our players to engage with fans and act as ambassadors for our team and the sport in general.
“We do make players aware of how best to use social media, such as Twitter, so they can make the most of the service.
“We have spoken to Rory about the Tweets identified and he fully accepts the language used was completely inappropriate and has apologised unreservedly for offence caused.
“Rory is concentrating on this weekend’s important Heineken (European) Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and Leinster.”