“It’s not judgmental. It’s not looking down,” said one of the players in a statement, citing religious beliefs.
At least five Tampa Bay Rays players opted not to wear LGBTQ-themed logos the team added to its uniforms to celebrate its annual “Pride Night” during Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. According to the Tampa Bay Times, pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson declined to wear the rainbow-colored logo on the caps and jerseys but their decision was not “judgmental”, Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. Adam, who was selected by the organization to speak on behalf of the players who opted out, said this was a “faith-based decision.”
“So it’s a hard decision”, he said. “We love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.
