Several Tampa Bay Rays decline to wear LGBTQ logos for religious reasons

Citing their faith, several Tampa Bay Rays players declined to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the Major League Baseball team’s weekend celebration of the LGBTQ community.

“It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s (Jesus) encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,” relief pitcher Jason Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. “But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.”

Other players who joined Adam in not wearing the Pride Night logo on Saturday were Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson.

Manager Kevin Cash said Sunday he did not expect his team to be divided in the clubhouse over the episode, according to The Associated Press.

“First and foremost, I think the organization has done a really good thing to have Pride Night’s supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the ballpark,” Cash said. “Impressed that our players have had those conversions and we want to support our players that choose to wear or choose not to wear to the best of our capabilities.”