"Juan Castillo Day" controversy
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
"Juan Castillo Day" controversy
Daily News staff
Offensive line coaches rarely get much attention or accolades. Without question, the Eagles' Juan Castillo is among the best in the NFL.
Now, the chance for Castillo to get recognized for his success and his work is mired in controversy in his hometown of Port Isabel, Texas.
The city is scheduled to present Castillo with the key to the city during a "Juan Castillo Day" celebration. The problem is, that ceremony is scheduled for July 4. Some are arguing that a different date should have been selected and the Fourth of July should be used to honor veterans instead of their hometown hero's football accomplishments.
City Manager Edward Meza said the decision for the Fourth was made because of Castillo’s schedule, and not to replace Independence Day. Meza adds it also made sense since Castillo's story epitomizes the American dream, which is what Independence Day represents.
“In no way should it undermines the Fourth of July, Independence Day, this was just in celebration on a local person that is an inspiration to others,” said Meza.
Unfortunately, the city has received some racist emails and phone calls in the wake of the decision.
Castillo did not comment to KGBT and Eagles assistant coaches other than coordinators are not allowed to speak to the Philadelphia media under team policy.
Can my Hometown Homey from Southwest get a break or what? It's the American Dream, Man!— Chuckle Berry- I think that it is cool that someone is honored on july 4th.— mungman
- veterans are honored on Memorial day and veterans day. the 4th of July is reserved for the birth of the nation.— Captain Splendor
- Just another example of the wrong-headed thinking in Texas$— philasportsfan
It is a dumb day to pick. Why not Christmas?— Richard Saunders
Comment removed.- Memorial Day honors those who given the utlimate gift for our Freedom....the 4th of July is how our nation celebrates it's Independence and Freedom...Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the Armed Forces in all our wars.......None of these holidays should be diminished by a football coach holiday..(who may also be a good man) In the big picture, football is just a game and a sideline to life, liberty and the Unided States of America. Let Mr Castillo change his schedule.....and I suspect if he is such a great man, he is probaly embarrassed about this issue and would rather keep the holidays as they are and his day can be another day...— nuggett
- The problem began with a poorly worded banner across the main highway. It gives the appearance that the City of Port Isabel is replacing the 4th of July with Juan Castillo Day. If they had changed the banner to Welcome Juan Castillo July 4th, then this entire fiasco would have gone away. However, the city government is using the controversy to drive a wedge and divide the city. What a shame.— Strudle
- This all started with a poorly written banner. It gives the impression that the city is replacing the 4th of July with Juan Castillo Day. This is the reason for the uproar. If they had changed out the banner to Welcome Juan Castillo July 4th, then this would never had thurned into such a fiasco. However, the city government is using the controversy to drive a wedge among its residents rather than promote harmony. What a shame.— Strudle
- Why not Christmas? Because they'll be playing games then (thank you jesus!).— Stephen_Niksa
- The town is not replacing 4th of July with Juan Castillo Day, it's just scheduled on that one day. Stop the negativity and let them celebrate the 4th of July or Juan Castillo Day as they see fit. LET FREEDOM RING! Happy 4th of July— skinny55
- No one complains about that freekin hot dog competition every year on the 4th.— K.D.
- Comment removed.
- watching the juan castillo day fireworks down the shore is a good time..— rizbik
- If July 4 fits Coach Castillo's schedule, then so be it, and too bad! If he did not have an Hispanic name, there would be no controversy. If the town wants to celebrate July 4 honoring Coach Castillo as well as our nation's founding, then all the power to 'em. Too bad people can't spend this amount of time and energy finding things to be happy about, instead of going out of their way looking for things that fire their anger.— montgomeryhopkins
