LA Galaxy’s Sacha Kljestan joins American soccer players in demand for gun control
In the wake of yet another mass shooting in America, Sacha Kljestan of LA Galaxy could not focus on anything else in his post game interview.
On the 4th of July, America saw another mass shooting at a parade in Highland Park with seven deaths reported so far. LA Galaxy player Sacha Kljestan joined several other American soccer players in calling for gun law reform in the United States.
Kljestan made his first appearance in almost seven weeks on Monday when the Galaxy’s won 4-0 over CF Montreal, but the comeback and the win were overshadowed by the heavy news of another tragic mass shooting and more lost lives. Kljestan echoed the thoughts of many Americans when he spoke in his post game press conference.
“I’m actually gonna keep this really brief and not answer any questions about the game,” said Kljestan. “I’m sick to my stomach about what’s happened in Illinois today. I think we need to talk about gun control. You guys can write about the game if you want, but I don’t really give a s**t.”
The shooting in Illinois came just a little over a month after an elementary school was shot up in Texas, leaving 19 children and two adults dead.
“Our kids get shot up and we say, ‘thoughts and prayers’, and it does nothing,” said Kljestan. “Then we talk about it on social media, and it does nothing. And then our government does nothing. And then someone gets shot up again.”
Kljestan is not alone in the American soccer world, as the US men’s national team wrote a letter to the US Congress urging them to pass all active gun control legislation laws up for consideration.
“Our ability to affect change is limited, but yours is not,” the letter read. “You could vote this week to address gun violence in America, and in fact, you will be given that opportunity.”
The US men’s national team also wore orange armbands during a game against Uruguay, to raise awareness of gun violence and show their support for reform. The Washington Spirit soccer team recently sported shirts that endorsed Brady United, an anti-gun violence non-profit organization.
“I don’t even know what to say. I’m not a politician. But I’m a human being,” said Kljestan. And my kids... I fear for them when they go to school.”
“It pisses me off. And I think if it doesn’t piss you off, and you don’t want new gun laws in this country, then there’s something wrong with you.”