In more innocent times, Emmanuel Sanders was the ideal spokesman for Pittsburgh's new anti-littering campaign.
Teaming the popular Steelers wide receiver with an important civic initiative fronted by the mayor's office appeared to be a no-brainer. But that was before Sanders and teammate Antonio Brown pleaded guilty Monday to leaving boxes beside a private dumpster in the area, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
A judge fined each $300 plus court costs, but that wasn't the only fallout. David Mazza, regional director for The Pennsylvania Resources Council, said the council is pulling Sanders' anti-litter ad from its website (www.donttrashmyturf.org) until they can talk to him about the incident.
A mayoral spokeswoman called the incident "unfortunate." Sanders -- who would like to remain part of the campaign -- calls it a big misunderstanding.
"I think littering is more throwing trash on the ground and knowing that you're wrong for it," he said. "I actually put the trash in the trash can. That's the big difference."
We believe you, Emmanuel. But you have to explain it to this guy.