clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Justin Verlander Would Be 'Absolutely' Fine With Gay Teammate

Leon Halip

Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers says common sense shows there are gay players in Major League Baseball and he would "absolutely' welcome a gay teammate.

The star pitcher acknowledged that a gay player could be hesitant to come out openly for various reasons but that he would be accepted by the Tigers. He told CNN in an interview:

"I don't think one of our players would be scared to come out. We got 25 guys, it's a family, and our goal is to win a World Series. What your sexual orientation is, I don't see how that affects the ultimate goal of our family."

Bravo to Verlander for using "sexual orientation" as opposed to "preference" or "lifestyle." His comments contrast with those of a new Tiger, Torii Hunter, who said he would be uncomfortable with a gay teammate; Hunter later said the quote was misinterpreted.

Here is Verlander's interview (the gay question happens at 1:50):