Rollins backs campaign against violence toward women

WASHINGTON – There were a few lighthearted moments, but the tone was mostly serious as Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins helped Vice President Biden introduce a new public service announcement concerning violence against women that will air this summer.

Included in the PSA are President Obama, Biden, Rollins, baseball’s Evan Longoria and Joe Torre, basketball’s Jeremy Lin, soccer’s David Beckham, football’s Eli Manning, and ESPN’s Andy Katz delivering the message that violence against women is unacceptable.

The PSA was unveiled during a Thursday morning news conference at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House.

Rollins and Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price were the two athletes in attendance. Price was filling in for Longoria, who was unable to attend.

After Price said a few words, Rollins, dressed in a gray suit, was eloquent in his message.

“I want my daughter and everyone’s daughter to grow up in a world free of violence and abuse,” Rollins said.

Rollins added that he was honored to be part of the news conference and also to be in the message.

“When I was asked to be a part of this I said yes right away,” Rollins said. “I said yes because no woman should have the fear of abuse. No man should hit a woman for any reason.”

In talking about the people in the PSA, Rollins said, “You will see in a minute I am in really great company, including, of course, my man Mr. Vice President Biden.”

That drew laughter, but not as much as when Biden began speaking of Rollins.

“I was telling David (Price) he is a hell of a ballplayer, but I am getting tired of Jimmy Rollins,” Biden said.

When the laughter died down, the vice president said that he is a big Phillies fan, but his wife, Jill, is a diehard. And he said he is reminded of Rollins each and every night.

“Every night when I go to bed, I lean over to kiss her good night, and as I turn my head, I look right into a bobblehead of Jimmy Rollins,” he said, evoking laughter. “That is more than a man should have to take.”