Chris Culliver is smartly backtracking from the stupid, idiotic, but also honest expression of his dislike for gay players in the NFL. Chris Culliver hurt the 49ers image just days before the Super Bowl on Sunday, but did open a door for us to see where bigotry comes from – fear of the unknown. Whatever he’s afraid of, it will not come to pass.
Chris Culliver said “The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel. It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience,” he said in a statement released through the 49ers organization.
According to Robert Klemko of USA Today, Culliver was “bombarded” with questions in this morning’s press conference. Here they are:
“What have the last 12 hours been like for you?”
“When you were saying those things, what was your mindset?”
“What was it like when you spoke to coach (Jim) Harbaugh?”
“Would you welcome a homosexual teammate?”
“Do you think you would’ve got a different reaction in another city?”
“What kind of reaction did you get on Twitter?”
“Have you talked to your teammates about it?”
“Why do you think you said those things?”
“Have you addressed your teammates about it?”
“What do you mean when you say it’s not how you feel?”
“Did you dread this morning?”
“What did you learn from this?”
“Has this in any way affected your preparation for Sunday?”
“Do you think the NFL is ready for a player to say he’s a homosexual while playing?”
“Do you realize that this will not be the last time you talk about it?”
“Does all the media during Super Bowl week feel like a trap?”
“Did you know who you were talking to?”
“Could you tell he was a comedian?”
“What made you respond to him at all?”
“When he asked you the first question … were you tempted to leave the interview?”
“What do you want people to know about you?”
“Were you dreading having to do this?” (second time)
“Did you expect this kind of response?”
“Do you expect practice to be a relaxing escape?”
“What would you say to the people of San Francisco today?”
“When you were asked, did you think he was joking around?”
“What have you learned from this?” (second time)
“Did anyone from your family talk to you about the comments?”
“Why would you say something that was the exact opposite of what you believe?”
“What would you say to San Franciscans who might be outraged by this?” (second time)
“Do you have any relatives who are homosexuals who reached out to you?”
“Did you learn that these relatives were gay before the conversations?”
“Do you think your comments would make it uncomfortable for a teammate of yours who is gay?”
“One of the Ravens, Brendon Ayanbadejo, has been outspoken about his beliefs that gay people should have the right to marry. Can you see yourself taking that stance?”
Stay tuned.