Jordan Zimmermann’s tweet draws ire from Tigers fans after Packers win
If you’re from Wisconsin, you’re legally obligated to do three things: Enjoy cheese, call a water fountain a “bubbler” and root for the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Zimmermann spent pretty much his entire life in Wisconsin, so it’s no surprise he supports the Packers.
Now that he’s a member of the Detroit Tigers, that presents a bit of an issue. Zimmermann found that out the hard way. After the Packers defeated the Detroit Lions on an amazing Hail Mary attempt as time expired, Zimmermann sent out the following tweet:
It’s safe to say that didn’t go over with Tigers fans who just watched their beloved Lions blow a very winnable game in embarrassing fashion.
Amazingly, most of the responses to Zimmermann were fairly civil. Most fans sent something like, “Hey, you realize you’re playing in Detroit now, right?” back to the pitcher.
Some even understood, yelling at the critics by telling them Zimmermann grew up in Wisconsin and shouldn’t have to change his rooting interest. When people talk about that good Midwestern hospitality, this is what they mean.
[Elsewhere: Oops: David Price graces the cover of the 2016 Blue Jays calendar]
In the end, Zimmermann realized he had made a bit of a mistake. He eventually sent out an apology tweet clarifying that he loves his new city, but he’ll always support his hometown team.
Hey, that’s completely fair. It might have rubbed some Detroit fans the wrong way, but you can’t really blame Zimmermann for rooting for the team he grew up supporting. Plus, it’s a completely different sport. If Zimmermann were spotted walking around with a Milwaukee Brewers hat, that would be a much bigger controversy.
[Elsewhere: Hunter Pence got engaged at Disney World]
Zimmermann is from Wisconsin. He knows that a good cheese curd squeaks when you eat it, and he pronounces the word bag as if there were a “y” in there. It also means he has the right to root for the Packers, no matter which baseball team employs him.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
