Roddy White sent an insincere apology note on Twitter Thursday after causing a stir with some anti-gay tweets earlier in the day. The Falcons receiver was responding to a fan’s question over Twitter when he made his anti-gay remark.
White was asked “You would rather lead the league in stats than win a Super Bowl?” and responded “Would u rather be gay or straight come on u know that answer?”
The anti-gay response from White was unprompted. It seemed like he began hearing criticism immediately because he sent a few follow-up comments to defend himself.
“Freedom of speech. I don’t care how much money I make. I should be held to my own standards and not the standards of other opinion. #period” he wrote. “Every time somebody says the word gay u want to get your panties in a bunch relax #whyusoemotional.”
Later on Thursday, White felt pressured enough to send this pathetic apology note, which was then negated by more anti-gay comments less than 30 minutes later. See the tweets below:
Ok people I apologize for saying the word gay I know it’s a sensitive subject and a athlete of my stature should not use it
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) April 12, 2012
This is pretty funny RT @ColeWorld50its ok. dont be gay and apologize for saying gay. because that’d be pretty gay
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) April 12, 2012
White is known for being an outspoken athlete, and this isn’t the first time something he’s said on Twitter got him into trouble. Nobody is limiting his freedom of speech, but if he says bigoted things, he’s going to be called out for it.
Since he doesn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with what he said, maybe someone should tell him to replace his line with “Would you rather be black or white?” and then maybe he would understand why his words are hurtful. Someone should also tell him there have been rumors that one of his teammates is gay and then ask him what he thinks.
Sheesh, after reading things like this, it’s no wonder so many athletes have P.R. people running their Twitter accounts to keep them from saying such awful things.
Below are White’s original tweets as captured by WSBTV:
Thanks to Black Sports Online for sharing the story
Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
