30 Jan 2013
Views Editor
Chris Culliver, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, got a little too open about his personal feelings during a radio interview on Tuesday.
Culliver told radio host Artie Lange that there were definitely no gay players on his football team, and if there were, they would have to “get up out of here.”
He also expressed concern about sharing a locker room with homosexual players.
The Niners’ public relations staff probably spat out their coffee when they heard Culliver’s comments, because they didn’t waste any time distancing themselves from the outspoken player, stating that they “rejected” the remarks and sentiment and reaffirming a stance against descrimination.
Culliver probably realized the error of his ways soon after, and posted his own apology on Twitter.
We’re not sure if this player actually experienced a true change of heart following the public outcry against these comments, but at least he knows that his community won’t listen to them without striking back.
Facing a situation like this, Culliver would probably do well to remember where he plays football.
The City by the Bay is a lot of things to a lot of people, but it’s no secret that San Francisco boasts one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the nation.
Nothing is forcing the cornerback to outspokenly embrace gay players or the community, but if he wants to do right by his city, it might be wise to keep his mouth shut from here on out.
Considering that the Niners are about to face off against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday, it’s probably even more important for Culliver to choose his words with care.
Otherwise, he risks becoming the target of more controversy than Ray Lewis — and nobody has time for that.
Let’s hope this whole thing blows over before Sunday, because the last thing we want is a controversy distracting us from what matters in the Super Bowl: Beer, chicken wings and car commercials.
