Yesterday, Broncos rookie pass rusher Shane Ray posted a picture of his latest tattoo, and it drew the ire of many Broncos faithful.
Understandably, a lot of the responses were’t exactly positive, as fans questioned where Ray’s loyalties stood; it’s not often that a player gets a tattoo of a division rival on their back.
Nonetheless, Ray is a Kansas City kid. Not only was he born in the city, but he went to college at Missouri. It shouldn’t be surprising that he’d rep his hometown, and it definitely doesn’t mean he plans on supporting anybody but the Denver Broncos going forward.
After hearing it from Broncos Country, though, Ray took to Twitter to defend himself.
Listen people! I love the Broncos and I bleed orange and blue. Don't let a representation of pride and art upset you. Let's get this work 🐴
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 15, 2016
If your with me be with me and respect my story. Only then can you say your a fan.
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 15, 2016
But that was just the start, as Ray’s mom, Sebrina Johnson, came to Shane’s defense.
Good grief! Did anyone notice the Sporting KC/Royals emblem? Its abt the city https://t.co/DCdKWAktPe and blue all day!@X_RAYted56
— Sebrina Johnson (@brisupermom47) March 15, 2016
Before she could really get going, Shane made sure to warn everybody that they had just awoken Momma Bear.
Y'all done pissed of momma bear lol @brisupermom47
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 15, 2016
My mom is the equivalent to the bear in the revenant. It's not a game lol @brisupermom47 🐻🐻🐻🐻
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 15, 2016
People stop with the controversy! He got a Tattoo of the City with all the landmarks. Get over it! This is his home.@X_RAYted56
— Sebrina Johnson (@brisupermom47) March 15, 2016
Folks need to worry about this election more that the art thats on Shanes back. Thats some real controversy.@X_RAYted56
— Sebrina Johnson (@brisupermom47) March 15, 2016
When Broncos won SB50 KC showed much luv for Shane. The city celebrated his success inspite of the rivalry.@X_RAYted56
— Sebrina Johnson (@brisupermom47) March 15, 2016
Thank you for the support from Bronco Country fans who understand its abt the luv of the city not the rivalry.@X_RAYted56
— Sebrina Johnson (@brisupermom47) March 15, 2016
Still, that didn’t quiet the story, as it made its way all the way up the ladder to ESPN.
This really made Espn 😳. Pure comedy lol I'm about to get in this gym. These folks are crazy
— Shane Ray (@StingRay56) March 15, 2016
Do your thing, Shane. As long as you’re sacking quarterbacks and winning games for the Denver Broncos, you could change your name to Al Davis for all we care. What matters is what’s on the inside, and that’s orange and blue!