article placeholder

[Video] Atlanta Braves coach to gay fans: ‘I would like to apologize’

Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell addressed a small group of reporters today at Turner Field on his first day back to the club after a two-week suspension handed down by Major League Baseball after McDowell allegedly using anti-gay slurs against San Francisco Giants fans last month.

McDowell was also accused of threatening Justin Quinn, a father of twin daughters, who asked him to watch his language in front of children at the April 23 game at San Francisco AT&T Park. Quinn made the allegations against McDowell in a press conference with high-profile attorney Gloria Allred.

McDowell did not use the word “gay” at any time during the press conference nor did he admit or deny the allegations. He did, however, apologize again for his actions and said that kind of behavior would not happen again.

article placeholder

Georgia Equality equates Braves coach behavior to that of ‘bully’

Georgia Equality officials hand-delivered a letter to the Atlanta Braves today, demanding the team at all levels undergo sensitivity training after allegations pitching coach Roger McDowell used anti-gay slurs against fans during a game in San Francisco.

“Mr. McDowell’s actions are far too reminiscent of the action of John Rocker over a decade ago,” says Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham in the letter to John Schuerholz, president of the Atlanta Braves.

“As one of the leaders of the coalition that formed to condemn those comments, I cannot express how profoundly disappointed I am that this has once again happened. What is perhaps most troubling is that unlike John Rocker, Roger McDowell serves in a leadership position within the organization. Without firm disciplinary action, others will assume this his casual use of anti-gay speed and threats of physical violence is somehow tolerable.”