Shaun White represented the United States in incredible fashion by winning a gold medal for the country in the Olympics. He was so proud after winning gold in the halfpipe on Wednesday that he pulled out the American flag upon learning he had won the competition, and he held it behind him.
White was emotional in his celebration and clearly proud — as evidence by him pulling out the flag. But while he was celebrating, White got careless with the flag and let it drag on the ground behind him. He even inadvertently stepped on it.
White’s careless behavior while enjoying his moment of triumph did not sit well with some Americans who were upset that White violated United States Flag Code, which states that the flag should never touch the ground.
Proud to see @shaunwhite grab the gold… wish they wouldn’t drag our flag across the ground… blame the Marine in me but minimal effort would show a lot of respect #OlympicGames
— Johnny (Joey) Jones (@Johnny_Joey) February 14, 2018
@shaunwhite way to be classy. You win the gold medal and then proceed to drag the American flag across the ground. No respect. No excuses for this. pic.twitter.com/xzbQ71iVqR
— David Sheets (@Sargd66) February 14, 2018
@TeamUSA Congratulations 2 a well deserved Gold 4 @shaunwhite ! Be proud of urself as this is probably ur “Swan Song Olympics” Coming from Military backing, something that bothers the heck out of me is dragging our flag ???????? Ur caught up in excitement, but PICK IT UP !! pic.twitter.com/bB24eiEnLx
— Karen (@KMB73) February 14, 2018
Shaun White drags the flag on the ground and my husband and I are cringingggggg.
— Jenna Hatfield (@JennaHatfield) February 14, 2018
Am pleased for Shaun White, but he should not be dragging our flag. Show some respect!
— William C Eacho (@AmbEacho) February 14, 2018
Such an incredible run from Shaun White to win gold but dude—you can’t let the flag touch the ground! You’re better than that #USA #Olympics
— Zacary J. Tardiff (@ZacaryJT) February 14, 2018
Hey Shaun White – I appreciate your skills but PICK THE FLAG UP!! The American flag should never touch the ground!! C’mon, kid!!
— Lonny Kaehn (@lonny_kaehn) February 14, 2018
Shaun White just broke flag code like six times.
— Luke Perrin (@TheLukePerrin) February 14, 2018
Have to be impressed with Shaun White, I just wish he didn't drag the flag on the ground. Couldn't help but cringe.
— Tom Brockman (@TomBrockII) February 14, 2018
I totally just screamed when @shaunwhite won gold. (Sorry @ sister). Except now he has the flag on the ground and I am CRINGING. Stop this madness!
— Mara (@Mara_Elizabeth) February 14, 2018
White certainly could have exercised more care with the flag in his hands, but let’s recognize the situation: the man was in a moment of celebration and completely caught up in the moment. He even was crying. He dragged the flag unintentionally. And if he weren’t such a proud American, then he wouldn’t have immediately grabbed the flag after winning and held it up with pride.
Shaun White coming back from smashing his face in on a half pipe to taking gold with a walkoff win and then crying while raising the American flag is why the #Olympics are the best. pic.twitter.com/SFtAoSGLua
— Red Zmudzien (@RedZmudzien) February 14, 2018
People should let go of this one.
