Chris Culliver Says Gays Are Not Welcomed on His Team
Another professional athlete puts his foot in his mouth with regards to the LGBT community. San Francisco 49er Chris Culliver has emphatically stated that gay players are not welcomed on the team.
During an interview during a Super Bowl media event earlier this week, the NFL player gave his opinion on playing with gays to comedian Artie Lange. TMZ reported that, when asked if a gay man would be welcomed into the 49ers, Culliver replied: "I don't do the gay guys man. I don't do that.”
The homophobic comments continued as Lange asked Culliver if he knew of any gay guys on his team. "No, we don't got no gay people on the team,” he said. “They gotta get up out of here if they do."
"Can't be with that sweet stuff,” Culliver continued. “Nah … can't be … in the locker room man. Nah." He further explained that if a gay player did join the NFL he should keep his sexuality a secret and not tell the other players.
Since Culliver’s comments, the 49ers coach, Jim Harbaugh, and several of his teammates have publically come out against what he said. "At the end of the day,” said linebacker Larry Grant, “we are all family in this locker room, and we accept each player for whoever they are."
"Whatever makes you happy, do it,” echoed cornerback Tarell Brown. “I just feel like, you shouldn’t hide it. At the end of the day don’t be embarrassed with what you are, or what you do. If you are that way, that’s you.”
No word yet on how the team will handle the incident.
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(Photo: NFL via Getty Images)