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Seattle Seahawks criticized over MLK-themed tweet

By Madison Gray

January 19, 2015 / 4:50 PM EST / CBS News

The Seattle Seahawks apologized after tweeting a Martin Luther King quote following their victory over the Packers Sunday

Seattle Seahawks apologize over MLK tweet 00:32

The NFC champion Seattle Seahawks are apologizing for a tweet sent out a day after their win over the Green Bay Packers that was criticized as insensitive for comparing the activism of Rev. Martin Luther King to the team's tenacity on the holiday celebrating his birthday.

We apologize for poor judgment shown in a tweet sent earlier. We did not intend to compare football to the civil rights legacy of Dr. King.
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 19, 2015

The tweet, which has since been deleted shows a photo of quarterback Russell Wilson in tears with a caption quoting King: "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

The tweet drew strong criticism from detractors, prompting the apology.

this is disgusting, @seahawks. pic.twitter.com/bC05nb2nDF
— drew olanoff (@drew) January 19, 2015

The Seahawks beat the Packers Sunday night 28-22 to win a trip to Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 1.

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