Multiple Tampa Bay Rays Players Refuse to Wear LGBTQ Logos on Their Pride Uniforms, Reports Say

Biden recognizes LGBTQ pride month and is trending 0:58 (CNN) — Several Tampa Bay Rays players did not wear LGBTQ logos on their uniforms for the team’s Pride Night celebration during the game. Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, at least five Rays baseball players — pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson — refused to wear the uniforms that had rainbow logos on the caps and jerseys. . Tampa Bay Rays designed a special logo for the Pride. Adam addressed the situation on behalf of the players who chose not to, telling the Tampa Bay Times that it was a “faith-based decision” and not “a trial.” “So it’s a tough call,” Adam said. “Because ultimately we all said that what we want is for them to know that everyone is 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, it’s not that they look down on anyone or think differently, it’s just that maybe we don’t want to encourage it if we believe in Jesus, that has encouraged us to live a lifestyle that refrains from that behavior.” “It’s not judgmental. It is not underestimating. It’s just what we believe; the lifestyle that has encouraged us to live, for our own good, not to abstain. But again, we love these men and women, we care about them, and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.” Loving everyone just the way they are Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who wore the uniform designed especially for his Pride celebration, he told the Times that his parents taught him to “love everyone just the way they are, to live your life, whatever your preferences are, to be yourself.” those who are here, obviously, but this is a family atmosphere here on a major league ballpark,” Kiermaier said. “We just want everyone to feel welcome and included and cheer us on. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is on anything.” Following Sunday’s game, also against the White Sox, Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the situation, saying the decision by some of the players not to wear The logos did not create any division in the club.”First of all, I think the organization has done a really good thing by having Pride Nights supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the stadium,” Cash said. after the game via ESPN.”I’m impressed that our players have had those conversations and we want to best support our players who choose to wear or not wear this logo.”CNN reached out to the Rays for comment but did not receive a comment. an answer immediately.