A Massachusetts city official has resigned after coming under fire for a controversial Facebook post concerning the recent NFL protests.
Under a photo of New England Patriots players kneeling during the national anthem on Sunday, Brockton Parks and Recreation Commissioner Stephen Pina wrote, "Turds your dumb (expletive) isn't paid to think about politics... dance monkey dance."
Pina has been a member of Brockton's Parks and Recreation Commission for the past couple of years, a volunteer position appointed by Mayor Bill Carpenter. He is also a coach on one of the city's Pop Warner football teams.
"I think he's brought a lot to the table, been a good parks commissioner. However, that's all overridden by today's comment," said Carpenter, who asked for Pina’s resignation before the end of the business day on Monday.
"I don't know what generated that comment," the mayor added. "You have to ask Steve."
Pina's post first showed up on the Brockton Hub Facebook page and has since been deleted.
Tony Branch, who leads Brockton's diversity commission, said the city is sending a strong message by asking for Pina’s resignation.
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""Not only should he apologize, but he should seek some help," Branch said. "My message to him - the alleged monkeys are now speaking up."
Pina did not respond to NBC Boston's requests for comment on the matter.
A woman inside his house shut the door in a reporter's face.
