Racial Slur Against Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Prompts Fire Chief's Resignation

PITTSBURGH, PA - The chief of a volunteer fire department in a suburban Pittsburgh community has resigned after posting a racial slur against Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on social media.

Cecil Township supervisors announced on the township website Tuesday that Paul Smith no longer is chief of the Muse Volunteer Fire Company.

Smith posted that “Tomlin just added himself to the list of no good (expletives). Yes I said it.” The post occurred on Sunday after the Steelers, except for offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva, were not on the sidelines for the national anthem before the team’s game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

The Steelers have been the target of vociferous criticism for the move, prompting team President Art Rooney II to issue a statement to fans Tuesday asserting the players weren’t attempting to make a political statement.

Smith, who is vacationing out of the country and could not be reached, said in a statement to KDKA-TV that he was embarrassed after using the racial slur against Tomlin.

“I want to apologize. I was frustrated and angry at the Steelers not standing (for) the anthem,” he said. “This had nothing to do with my fire department. I regret what I said.”’

In a statement, the Cecil supervisors said they were “deeply disturbed by the comments made by Volunteer Chief Smith, and in no way, shape or form condone his comments.”

Photo via Pittsburgh Steelers.