Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back DeShon Elliott attempted to make a joke on social media, when he posted a photo of his coach Mike Tomlin.
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That is to say, Elliott has since received much backlash for including a meme on his Instagram, that displayed Tomlin's face photoshopped on top of Osama Bin Laden's head, with the caption "Osama Bin Tomlin."
Awful: #Steelers DB Deshon Elliott trolls his HC Mike Tomlin:
“Osama Bin Tomlin”
They play New York this week... pic.twitter.com/u1YZtAUKnB
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 15, 2024
Obviously people took issue to how insensitive this is, considering the fact that on September 11, 2001 Bin Laden was the leader behind a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, that left 3,000 dead.
To make it even worse, some noted that the Steelers are facing the New York Jets this week. As one fan commented, "Osama Bin Tomlin during New York Jets week is criminal behavior."
Coach Tomlin and the Steelers organization had no comments regarding this, but Elliot may have to run some extra laps at practice.
In view of this week's matchup, Tomlin spoke on the recent trade that included last week's opponent, Las Vegas Raiders, sending Davante Adams to the Jets.
"I don't imagine that his acquisition changes our approach to this game a whole lot."
Mike Tomlin on facing WR Davante Adams in his first game with the Jets Sunday. #Steelers #DavanteAdams pic.twitter.com/LtH4Pepubp
— FOX 53 (@fox53wpgh) October 15, 2024
"I was getting ready for Davante last week. I'm getting ready for Davante this week, but that's life in the National Football League," Tomlin said. "...I'm respectful of his talents, but I don't imagine that his acquisition changes our approach to this game a whole lot. To be quite honest with you, we're playing an Aaron Rodgers-led group on offense, and that means certain things. When you've got a quarterback who's had the resume that he has and has had the type of success that he's had, it's a challenge."
The Steelers will face the Jets on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 pm ET, as Elliot may be benched if Tomlin took offense to the meme.
Luckily, Elliot and Tomlin appear to have a good working relationship, at least before he drew resemblance between him and Bin Laden.
New Steelers safety DeShon Elliott knows where his bread is buttered — he makes his opening statement a happy birthday wish for Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/bK1drwiUCT
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) March 15, 2024
DeShon Elliott welcomed to Pittsburgh officially with a kiss from Mike Tomlin after his 1Q INT #Steelers #NFL 😘 pic.twitter.com/hfx0puJztr
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 9, 2024
Related: NFL Trade Rumors: Davante Adams Expected To Reunite With Aaron Rodgers On New York Jets