The National Football League, which is fresh off major PR missteps — from suppressing knowledge about the effects of concussions to mishandling domestic violence cases — is stepping in as an unlikely ally for the transgender community in Texas, according to Bleacher Report.
“We firmly believe that discriminatory laws such as HB 2 are bad for our employees, bad for our fans and bad for business,” 49ers owner Jed York reportedly said in 2016 regarding North Carolina’s infamous “bathroom bill”.
Now, a similar bill has been introduced in Texas, and the league has issued what Bleacher Report calls a “thinly veiled threat.”
“The NFL embraces inclusiveness,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy reportedly said in response to a question about the bill from the Houston Chronicle. “We want all fans to feel welcomed at our events, and NFL policies prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard.”
McCarthy also reportedly intimated to the Chronicle and Bleacher Report that the NFL won’t hesitate to steer any future Super Bowls away from Texas. It’s a concept that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott didn’t take too kindly to.
He reportedly told talk show host Glenn Beck that the league is “walking on thin ice” and “needs to concentrate on playing football and get the heck out of politics.
“For some low-level NFL adviser to come out and say that they are going to micromanage and try to dictate to the state of Texas what types of policies we’re going to pass in our state, that’s unacceptable. We don’t care what the NFL thinks and certainly what their political policies are.”
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
