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Five Tampa Bay Rays players refuse to wear LGBTQ+ univorm patch for Pride Month
Pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson were among the players who did not wear the patch on their uniforms and chose to wear the team's standard caps for the June 4 home game.
Adam was selected by the organization to speak on behalf of the players who opted out, and called it a "faith-based decision" and that the decision wasn't "judgmental," per the Times:
"So it's a hard decision. Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here. But when we put it on our bodies, I think a lot of guys decided that it's just a lifestyle that maybe — not that they look down on anybody or think differently — 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, just like [Jesus] encourages me as a heterosexual male to abstain from sex outside of the confines of marriage. It's no different."
Manager Kevin Cash said the players' decision not to wear the pride caps and patches -- which the team described as something players could choose to opt-in to -- didn't create any division in the clubhouse. "I think what it has created is, like, what you've heard -- a lot of conversation and valuing the different perspectives inside the clubhouse but really appreciating the community that we're trying to support here," Cash said.
Adam was selected by the organization to speak on behalf of the players who opted out, and called it a "faith-based decision" and that the decision wasn't "judgmental," per the Times:
"So it's a hard decision. Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here. But when we put it on our bodies, I think a lot of guys decided that it's just a lifestyle that maybe — not that they look down on anybody or think differently — 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, just like [Jesus] encourages me as a heterosexual male to abstain from sex outside of the confines of marriage. It's no different."
Manager Kevin Cash said the players' decision not to wear the pride caps and patches -- which the team described as something players could choose to opt-in to -- didn't create any division in the clubhouse. "I think what it has created is, like, what you've heard -- a lot of conversation and valuing the different perspectives inside the clubhouse but really appreciating the community that we're trying to support here," Cash said.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/five-tampa-bay-rays-players-decline-to-wear-lgbtq-logo-on-uniform-during-pride-night-celebration/
26 replies
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= new reply since forum marked as read
That means upwards of 80% of the roster chose to opt-in to the message of inclusiveness. I mean, it would be lovely if they *all* did, but (a) the fact that a few didn't proves that it isn't compulsory and therefore that it actually means something for those who opted in and (b) I think having 80% of the roster saying yes to to endorsing a message of inclusivity is a higher percentage than many might expect from a major league team (or, frankly and sadly, for many other workplaces).
jason using jesus as an excuse or incentive is just a cop out.
(god, i haven't used that phrase in years and years! i feel like such an old hippie! lol)
"it's just that maybe we don't want to encourage it" Once again pretending its a fucking choice. 
