Outspoken musician and conservative icon Kid Rock has once again made headlines, this time taking direct aim at Megan Rapinoe, the former U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) star and outspoken activist. Rock’s fiery remarks have reignited debates over patriotism, free speech, and athletes using their platforms for activism.

Kid Rock Calls Out Rapinoe

In a recent interview, Kid Rock did not hold back his criticism of Megan Rapinoe, who has been known for her strong political stances, including kneeling during the national anthem, criticizing former President Donald Trump, and advocating for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

“If you hate America, you shouldn’t be representing America,” Rock declared. “You can’t wear that jersey and then go around disrespecting the country it stands for.”

His comments echo the sentiments of many critics who believe that Rapinoe’s activism has overshadowed her athletic achievements.

A History of Controversy

Megan Rapinoe has long been a polarizing figure in American sports. As a key player in the USWNT’s 2019 World Cup victory, she gained international recognition for both her on-field talent and off-field activism. However, her decision to protest during the national anthem, as well as her public criticism of U.S. policies and leadership, has led to backlash from conservatives.

Kid Rock, known for his pro-America stance, has frequently clashed with figures he perceives as being unpatriotic. His latest comments suggest that he believes Rapinoe’s political views are incompatible with representing the United States on the global stage.

The Debate Over Patriotism and Free Speech

Rock’s statement has further fueled the ongoing national conversation about whether athletes should be allowed to express their political beliefs while representing their country. Supporters of Rapinoe argue that freedom of speech is a fundamental American value, and that criticizing the government or policies is not the same as hating the country.

However, critics like Kid Rock maintain that representing the U.S. on an international level should come with a sense of national pride and respect.

What’s Next for Rapinoe?

Since retiring from professional soccer in 2023, Rapinoe has continued to be a voice for social justice movements, LGBTQ+ rights, and equal pay in sports. It’s unlikely that Kid Rock’s comments will silence her, but they do highlight the continued division in American culture regarding sports, activism, and patriotism.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear—both Kid Rock and Megan Rapinoe have no intention of backing down from their beliefs anytime soon.