Several Tampa Bay Rays players chose not to wear rainbow-colored logos during the team’s “Pride Night” game versus the White Sox on Saturday, according to multiple reports.
On Tuesday, Rays reliever Nick Anderson shared his thoughts on why he removed a patch from his jersey sleeve and wore a standard team hat instead of one designed for the occasion.
"When I say differing beliefs, I'm talking about the people who believe everyone should wear something and if you don't, you should burn and are a terrible person or whatever name you want to call them," Anderson tweeted via a screenshot of a written statement. "I also was saying that just because you don't wear maybe a said 'patch' doesn't mean you think those people should burn and are terrible people.
"Come on everyone. I never once said I thought gay people weren't born gay. Or that homophobia was right. So to all of you who are trying to find any little thing to twist and make someone look bad for saying something they never said, whatever you got going on in your life making you this way, just know that it will all be okay! Much love."
Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the situation after Sunday's 6-5 loss to Chicago, saying he doesn't believe it will negatively impact the clubhouse, according to The Associated Press.
“First and foremost, I think the organization has done a really good thing to have Pride Night’s supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the ballpark,” Cash said. “Impressed that our players have had those conversations, and we want to support our players that choose to wear or choose not to wear to the best of our capabilities.”
Rays pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson were among the players who opted out of having the logo on their uniforms, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Adam called his choice a “faith-based decision.”
Members of the LGBTQ community took part in pregame activities and mini LGBTQ flags were given out to fans, according to the Associated Press. Saturday’s announced attendance was 19,452, above the season average of 16,868.
(Photo: Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)
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