U.S. women’s national soccer player Corbin Albert appeared to draw backlash from teammates earlier this year for social media posts about the LGBTQ+ community.
According to The Athletic, one of the TikTok videos she reposted included a sermon about being gay and “feeling transgender” being wrong.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
United States player Corbin Albert (left) looks at the ball during a training session with the U.S. Women’s National Team at their training ground in Marseille, France, on July 23, 2024. (Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
Another leaked screenshot showed Albert “liking” an Instagram post making fun of Megan Rapinoe’s injury, with the comment, “God made a miracle and timed it so that Megan Rapinoe sprained her ankle in her last game.”
Albert is set to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics, and just days before the U.S. plays Zambia in its opening Olympic game, Tierna Davidson spoke out about Albert’s post.
“It’s been hard. It was hard for me when it first happened and it’s been hard to hear how the fans are reacting to it, because I want to really represent the queer community well on this team, so I want them to really feel welcome and feel like they belong on this field with this team, so I never want them to feel like they’re not welcome here,” said Davidson, who is gay. “Great match with Sara Spain” Podcast.
United States player Tierna Davidson, wearing number 12, looks out onto the field during the Mexico vs. United States Women’s National Team match at Red Bull Arena on July 13, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Paris 2024 Olympics: Everything you need to know about this year’s Summer Olympics
“Given what she was talking about, I think this is obviously a difficult situation that affects me personally,” Davidson continued. “I think it’s something you have to learn as a young player, especially with the platform you’re given. Your beliefs and how you express certain things are very public and people see and hear it. Whether it’s from your upbringing or something that was instilled in you from a young age, it’s something that you may not be fully aware of, but it can be hurtful to other people.”
Albert apologised for his post but was booed by some in the crowd during the match.
Davidson added that he respects Albert as a teammate and wants to help him learn.
United States No. 12 Tierna Davidson controls the ball during the second half of a game against Costa Rica at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on July 16, 2024. (Greg Fiume/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Click here to get the FOX News app
The U.S. won the bronze medal in women’s soccer last year and has not won a gold medal since the 2012 London Games.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage, subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
