Chris Culliver apologizes for derogatory remarks
The San Francisco 49ers have been making headlines in all the wrong ways before the Super Bowl this Sunday. Cornerback Chris Culliver opened up during media day and let slip several anti-gay remarks sparking a controversy in the media and NFL.
On a day when he should have been promoting his team and celebrating the rewards that come with hard work through the regular season, Culliver instead chose to voice his opinion on a sensitive issue. Culliver was engaged in an interview with comedian and radio personality who asked whether Culliver had any gay teammates.
“I don’t do the gay guys.” Culliver told Lange, “I don’t do that.”
“We ain’t got no gay people on the team,” Culliver continued. “They gotta get up out here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff.”
His comments blew open as a backlash ensued with Culliver at the center. The NFL has made several strides towards promoting an environment where gay players can come out as they are, however no players have come out until after their playing careers. Still, pro football has come a long way, but it obviously has a ways to go as evidenced by Culliver’s statements.
Culliver issued a statement of apology to mend the damage he did the other day.
“The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel,” Culliver said in a statement released by the team. “It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience.”
The 49ers will need to bounce back from this scandal quickly before they face the surging Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.
