LGBTQ+ advocates and fans have criticized several San Francisco Giants pitchers after they inscribed biblical references onto their rainbow-themed Pride Night caps during a home game on Friday.
Pitchers Landon Roupp, JT Brubaker, and Ryan Walker wrote verses from Genesis 9:12-16 on their headwear.
The incident prompted a formal warning from Major League Baseball for uniform policy violations and sparked a broader debate about inclusion in professional sports.
Cyd Zeigler, co-founder of the LGBTQ sports website Outsports, expressed strong disapproval.
“They defaced the Pride rainbow by telling the LGBTQ community they don't own the rainbow—God owns the rainbow,” Zeigler said.
He noted that the display could negatively affect attendance from the fanbase.
“If I was a Giants fan, I would never attend a game again,” Zeigler added.
The San Francisco Giants organization issued an official statement attempting to balance support for the LGBTQ+ community with respect for individual expressions of faith.
“The San Francisco Giants are proud to support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community… We also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations,” the team stated.
The franchise acknowledged the negative reception of the players’ actions among their supporters.
“We understand that the choices by individual players has caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that,” the team said.
Local LGBTQ leaders indicated that the apology did not fully address accountability.
Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride, questioned the organization’s enforcement of inclusive standards.
“I work for SF Pride—I think if I espoused beliefs that were not inclusive, my board would have a problem with that,” Ford said.
Ford emphasized that professional athletes remain accountable to their employing organization.
“Same goes for these Giants pitchers. They work for the San Francisco Giants,” Ford added.
Landon Roupp defended his actions to the Mercury News, stating his intention was rooted in personal religious expression rather than animosity.
“It's just about God's covenant and a promise that he makes to us that, you know, his faithfulness and his mercy,” Roupp said.
He clarified his mindset regarding the decision to modify his cap.
“No hate at all,” Roupp said.
A Major League Baseball spokesperson confirmed that writing on uniforms violates league apparel rules.
The league has formally warned the players that further violations could lead to disciplinary action.
