Baseball player calls reporter a ‘prick’ for asking why he opposes equal marriage
Baseball player Torii Hunter – who has recorded political adverts opposing same-sex marriage – labelled a reporter a “prick” for asking about them.
The Major League Baseball star – who previously played for the Detroit Tigers – appeared in a radio ad earlier just last month to back Republican Asa Hutchinson.
In the ad, Mr Hunter said: “Asa is committed to the principles we hold dear, like a strong faith in God, equal justice for all, and keeping marriage between one man and one woman.”
However, he ripped into one reporter who asked him about the ads during a press conference.
After reporter Mike Berardino asked him about his views, he said: “I mean, there’s nothing to talk about. You already know, so why keep talking about it?
“I said it – it is what it is. So no, I’m not going to talk about it if you bring it up.
“It’s not even baseball related. I can do that later when I retire.
Addressing the crowd of reporters, he added: “Mike is kind of a prick huh?
“No, seriously, you a prick man, I don’t even know you. You’re a prick, seriously.
“Ain’t nothing wrong with that, that’s your job. Definitely a prick though.”
Watch the clip below:
Mr Berardino said: “The purpose of my final two questions posed to Twins outfielder Torii Hunter at today’s news conference was not to make him feel uncomfortable or to force him to expound on his previously stated views on gay marriage.
“Rather, having read the strong criticism directed toward him on social media and via Deadspin.com in light of his recent endorsement of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, which included a comment related to gay marriage, I wanted to give Mr. Hunter an opportunity to respond to his critics.
“I also asked him if he thought the political backlash might have impacted his recent job search as he eventually settled for a one-year contract at a 19-percent decrease in his average annual salary.
“Finally, I asked Mr. Hunter if he intended to be as open with his political and religious views moving forward after having gone through this recent experience.
“I asked the same questions a few minutes later of Katrina Hunter, his wife, and she offered well-reasoned answers that did not include insults at my expense. I published her complete answers, as well as those of her husband, on my Twins Now blog at TwinCities.com.
“Regardless, I consider the unfortunate matter closed and I look forward to covering Mr. Hunter throughout the 2015 baseball season.”
It is not the first time Hunter has caused controversy over his views,admitting in 2012 he would be “uncomfortable” having a gay teammate.
He said: “For me, as a Christian, I will be uncomfortable because in all my teachings and all my learning, biblically, it’s not right.”
