Tampa Bay Rays Players Refuse , To Wear 'Pride Night' Jerseys.
HuffPost reports some members of the Tampa Bay Rays refused to wear their team's "Pride Night" jerseys on June 4.
Pitcher Jason Adam, who opted out of wearing the jersey to commemorate members of the LGBTQIA+ community, .
Pitcher Jason Adam, who opted out of wearing the jersey to commemorate members of the LGBTQIA+ community, .
Said it was a "faith-based decision.".
It’s a hard decision.
, Jason Adam, via statement.
Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here.
, Jason Adam, via statement.
... It’s just that maybe we don’t want to encourage it if we believe in Jesus, who’s encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would abstain from that behavior... , Jason Adam, via statement.
The move by some of the players sparked backlash and was condemned by many, including former MLB player Preston Wilson.
The move by some of the players sparked backlash and was condemned by many, including former MLB player Preston Wilson.
Wilson said the players who opted out of "Pride Night" jerseys contribute to a “special ignorance in sports on this topic.”.
Every person in MLB has at some point played with a homosexual teammate, Former MLB player Preston Wilson, via Twitter.
Every person in MLB has at some point played with a homosexual teammate, Former MLB player Preston Wilson, via Twitter.
They have all cheered for their success on the field.
They have all felt their pain when they struggled.
They just didn’t know that player was LGBTQ, Former MLB player Preston Wilson, via Twitter.
Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty also called the players' behavior an "absolute joke" on Twitter.
Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty also called the players' behavior an "absolute joke" on Twitter
