PHOTO SOURCE: DESICLUB.COM

By John Chen

John Chen is the founder and team caption of the San Francisco Bay Crash. He is also president of the Silicon Valley Flag Football Community Association.

Culliver’s statements serve as a disappointing reminder that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in eliminating homophobia and the climate where children are bullied for being different. We hope that Chris Culliver takes this experience as an opportunity to learn about the harmful impact that such words have on so many people. While it is unfortunate that one 49er player feels so strongly against gay people, San Francisco Bay (Gay) Football League very much appreciates the 49er organization for their continued outreach and appreciation of LGBT 49er fans. We will continue to support and cheer on our beloved 49ers!

(Editor’s Note: During a Super Bowl media day interview, San Francisco 49er cornerback Chris Culliver was asked if there were any gay players on the team. He replied, “We ain’t got no gay people on the team. They gotta get up out here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff. ... Nah, can’t be ... in the locker room, man.” He also said, “I don’t do the gay guys. I don’t do that.”

When then asked if a gay player should keep his sexual orientation a secret, Culliver agreed, stating that such individuals should only consider coming out a decade after retiring. In his words: “Gotta come out 10 years after that.”

He later issued the following apology, via a statement released by the team.

“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.”

Now that the Super Bowl is over, Culliver is to undergo sensitivity training and to work with The Trevor Project to learn about suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth.