Torii Hunter: Gay Comments Were Misinterpreted, I’m Not Against Homosexual Teammates

Torii Hunter says gay comments he made that he would be uncomfortable with a homosexual teammated were misinterpreted.

The Detroit Tigers outfielder was quoted over the weekend in a story from the Los Angeles Times that as a Christian, he doesn’t think he’s ready to share the clubhouse with a gay teammate. The story, which was about the difficulties homosexual athletes still face, quoted Hunter as saying:

“For me, as a Christian … I will be uncomfortable because in all my teachings and all my learning, biblically, it’s not right. It will be difficult and uncomfortable.”

On Monday Torii Hunter responded to the flap over the gay comments, the Detroit News noted. He said:

“I’m very disappointed in Kevin Baxter’s article in which my quotes and feelings have been misrepresented. He took two completely separate quotes and made them into one quote that does not express how I feel as a Christian or a human being. I have love and respect for all human beings regardless of race, color or sexual orientation. I am not perfect and try hard to live the best life I can and treat all people with respect. If you know me you know that I am not anti anything and to be portrayed as anti-gay in this article is hurtful and just not true.”

The clarification of the comments could be Torii Hunter‘s response to the stinging criticism he saw after making the remarks. Many media outlets jumped on the statement, trying it in to past controversial comments Hunter made about Latino players of African heritage, calling them “imposters” as it relates to the dwindling number of black players in the game.

Do you believe Torii Hunter’s clarification about his gay comments, or is he just trying to save face?