San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano defended Tony Hinchcliffe on Monday, 24 hours after the comedian called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at a rally for former President Donald Trump at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Feliciano, who is of Puerto Rican descent, took to social media to support Hinchcliffe and teammate Nick Bosa, who sported a “Make America Great Again” hat after Sunday’s game.
“The only Puerto Ricans that are mad about @TonyHinchcliffe joke, are mad because it helps push their agenda,” Feliciano, 32, wrote on X. “Tony’s joke was so soft compared to his usual material.”
The Miami product started in last winter’s Super Bowl but has not played for the 49ers this season. The team placed him on injured reserve in August as he recovers from a knee injury.
Hinchcliffe’s 12-minute speech on Sunday was derided as racist by liberal viewers and received tepid applause from the conservatives in attendance.
The Trump campaign later distanced itself from Hinchcliffe.
“This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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