LGBT
Related: About this forumMaryland Lawmaker Asks Baltimore Ravens Owner to Curb Brendon Ayanbadejo
Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo (above), an outspoken supporter of marriage equality who has appeared in videos for HRC and Marylanders for Marriage Equality, is being targeted by Maryland House of Delegates member Emmett C. Burns Jr., who has asked Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti to stop him from talking about it.
BurnsSays the letter, according to NFL.com:
"I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadejo would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically as a Raven Football player. Many of my constituents and your football supporters are appalled and aghast that a member of the Ravens Football Team would step into this controversial divide and try to sway public opinion one way or the other.
"Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is strictly for pride, entertainment and excitement.," Burns wrote. "I believe Mr. Ayanbadejo should concentrate on football and steer clear of dividing the fan base.
"I am requesting that you take the necessary action, as a National Football League Owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employees and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions. I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing."
http://www.towleroad.com/2012/09/maryland-lawmaker-asks-baltimore-ravens-owner-to-curb-brendon-ayanbadejos-support-for-marriage-equal.html
----------------------
Sounds like the big bad football player has someone scared... Oh by the way... He should be...
Ian David
(69,059 posts)Tim Tebow Shoots Super Bowl Ad for Anti-Gay Focus on the Family
http://www.towleroad.com/2010/01/tim-tebow-shoots-super-bowl-ad-for-antigay-focus-on-the-family.html
Bluzmann57
(12,336 posts)Because I am admittedly not the smartest guy in the world. Brendon Ayanbadejo, an American citizen, is not allowed to say what's on his mind simply because he plays in the NFL? I hope the owner of the Ravens tells Mr. Burns (fitting) to kiss his ass and I hope Ayanbadejo doubles down on his free speech rights which are guaranteed under the United States Constitution.
I find it apalling that Burns would try and take away anyone's right to free speech. Disagree all you want Burns, but do not try and take away a guaranteed right of every American citizen.
babylonsister
(171,066 posts)OffWithTheirHeads
(10,337 posts)beyurslf
(6,755 posts)and let's just say I side with him and his muscles.
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)Amazing that he thinks people can't speak their minds...of course, if some asshat like Timmeh Teblow had come out against marriage equality (which I'm sure he is), Burns would have fought tooth and nail for his "free speech."
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Mr. Ayanbadejo gets it!
Glaug-Eldare
(1,089 posts)and his office can be reached toll-free at 1-800-492-7122x3352