Tampa Bay Rays Players Remove LGBT Pride Logo from Uniforms, Cite Faith

Tampa Bay Rays players refused to wear the Gay Pride logo on their uniforms this weekend – saying their religious beliefs don’t allow it, but also said they would accept everyone.

The players are all pitchers and there are five … Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson. During the team’s Pride Night party on Saturday, they announced that they had given up custom jerseys / hats with rainbow-colored letters and opted for regular units instead.

The reason … for “faith-based” purposes. Adam explained … “So it’s a difficult decision. Because in the end we all said we want them to know that everyone is welcome and loved here.”

He adds, “But when we put it in our bodies, I think a lot of guys decided it was just a way of life that maybe – not because they despise anyone or think differently – it’s just because maybe we don’t want to. , if we believe in Jesus, who has encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would refrain from such behavior, just as (Jesus) as a heterosexual man encourages me to abstain from sex outside of marriage. It is no different. “

Manager Kevin Cash said the players’ decision sparked a debate at the clubhouse, but it doesn’t sound like things have warmed up … and the team understands.

Adam concluded … “It’s not judgmental. It’s not looking down. It’s just what we believe in the lifestyle he has encouraged us to live, for our best, not to abstain. But once again, we love these men and women, we care about them. , and we want them to feel safe and welcome here. “

The team certainly supported the fact that it was Pride Night, as they have even changed their official logo on social media to match the month (like many companies).