Earlier this week, teenager Isaiah Navarro, who plays football at Paraclete High School in Lancaster, California, went viral when he lamented the “wasted final year of school” following California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s strict COVID-19 restrictions.
“Zero offers, zero looks, zero commitments, zero time on campus, zero homecoming, zero prom, zero traditional graduation. What a wasted final year of school,” tweeted Navarro.
“Worked hard and dedicated for absolutely ZERO. Big shout out to @GavinNewsom! You got what you wanted,” he continued.
Navarro received 10.8k retweets and 56.7k likes.
“Honestly humbled by the retweets and positive comments. I know there are thousands in my shoes across this State. I do not want anything given to me, just a chance to show my value and be an asset. Gray shirt, red shirt, grass, turf or dirt. I will play anywhere, God willing,” he said in response.
Honestly humbled by the retweets and positive comments. I know there are thousands in my shoes across this State. I do not want anything given to me, just a chance to show my value and be an asset. Gray shirt, red shirt, grass, turf or dirt. I will play anywhere, God willing.
— Isaiah J. Navarro (@IsaiahJNavarro1) February 4, 2021
People on Twitter openly supported Navarro as they lamented how similar policies have negatively affected their lives.
“Young man you use this as fuel to becoming the best player and man possible. Never dwell in disappointment. God bless you and I’m going to pray for your success!” tweeted one user.
“I hope some recruiters who haven’t filled their rosters will take a look at this young man. What we’ve done to the youth of America since the beginning of the pandemic is nothing short of child abuse. Good luck, Isaiah!” tweeted another.
“I’m so sorry. You’ve been treated badly and for absolutely no reason other than political showboating at the whim of a man (used very loosely) who’s [sic] desire to control outweighs common sense or science. I really am sorry it’s not right!” tweeted another.
Speaking with “Fox & Friends” on Friday, Navarro told host Brian Kilmeade that Newsom has a clear double-standard when it comes to school athletics, noting that he has allowed private schools to conduct sporting events while public schools have been shut out in the cold.
“This is our only chance to help our family,” Navarro said. “We want to support our family and relatives.”
Navarro noted that 45 states in the union have allowed high impact sports like football while students in California have not been able to play this season.
As The Daily Wire reported, Navarro’s hit against Newsom comes as the recall effort to oust him from office has been gaining steam. If successful, he would be the second Democratic governor to be recalled in the Golden State since Gov. Gray Davis lost to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003.
“On Thursday, a California state legislator reported that the recall petition targeting Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has implemented strict lockdowns across the state since the coronavirus pandemic began, was getting close to success, which would prompt a recall election within four to six months,” reported the Daily Wire. “California State Assembly GOP member Kevin Kiley, who represents the 6th district, which includes areas around Sacramento, California’s capital, tweeted, ‘And just like that, we’re at 1.4 million signatures.'”