Mar 7, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders FC defender Yeimar Gomez-Andrade (28) clears a ball in front of Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes (11) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Sounders cut ties with broadcaster and former coach over tweet about black soccer players

By Blake Harper | Last updated 6/4/20

The Seattle Sounders have parted ways with broadcaster and former coach Alan Hinton after he posted a tweet that has been widely criticized as racist and tone-deaf in the current climate.

"Sounders FC has ended its independent-contractor relationship with Alan Hinton," the club said in a statement. "Hinton’s tweets on June 1 are not congruous with our club values, and as such, he will no longer be representing the organization in an ambassadorial capacity."

On June 1, Hinton posted a tweet where he declared himself 'not a racist' but then proceeded to say that his attitude towards black players during his playing career was, "Love you if you help us win our bonuses." Hinton claims that the Sounders cutting ties with him was unfair and more financially motivated than anything else.

Let me make it clear I am not a racist? I began in pro soccer when no black players on my team? Years later blacks started to be good so my attitude was”Love you if you help us win our bonuses”?Signed as a coach several good black players? Have friends who are black? Is that OK?
— Alan Hinton (@alanhinton11) June 2, 2020

"[Sounders majority owner] Adrian Hanauer twisted it to suit his goal to cut his budget," Hinton said. "He didn’t give me a chance to explain what happened. … Since race and rioting is on the television — I watch it six hours a day — and it’s very, very upsetting. In the middle of England, there were very few Black people around in the ’70s, and it’s a different world today. I don’t have a problem with anybody — especially race."

Instead of apologizing for his tweet, Hinton appears to be going out of his way to convince everyone how not racist he is. He also says he is writing a book 'explaining the evolution of the black player from 1960s when zero black players in U.K. big leagues to the domination of black players worldwide today.'

"I’ve done my utmost for soccer here," Hinton said. "I’ve done it for youth coaching. I’ve done it for indoor. I’ve done it for outdoor. I’ve won championships. I’ve won trophies, I’ve won games. … To be treated like this when I’m enjoying the Sounders so much because of Brian Schmetzer, who’s one of my young players from 40 years ago, it spoiled it for me."

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