Chris Kluwe, punter for the Minnesota Vikings, kicked off his 2012 football season by writing on open letter to Emmett C. Burns, Jr., Democratic State Senator from Maryland, voraciously criticising the senator’s suggestion that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo shouldn’t be allowed to voice his support of marriage equality.
In response to Ayanbadejo’s continued support of gay rights (see “Big-League Courage: Top names in the world of spectator sports use their influence to support gay rights and marriage equality,” Valley Advocate 4/21/11), Burns authored a letter to Steve Bisciotti, team owner of the Baltimore Ravens, stating that Bisciotti should “inhibit such expressions from your employee,” reports the Huffington Post.
Burns probably wasn’t expecting a retort from a player on anoter team, in a different conference. But he must have touched a nerve, because Kluwe pulls no punches, writing a letter of his own that not only defends the actions of players like Ayanbadejo, and overtly criticizes the actions of Burns, but also manages to incorporate such notable phrases as, “narcissistic fromunda stain,” “holy fucking shitballs,” and “lustful cockmonster.”
“I find it inconceivable that you are an elected official of the United States government,” begins Kluwe. “Your vitriolic hatred and bigotry make me ashamed and disgusted to think that you are in any way responsible for shaping policy at any level. The views you espouse neglect to consider several fundamental key points, which I will outline in great detail.”
You can read the entire letter here.
It’s always nice to see athletes openly concerning themselves with issues off the field (regardless of whichever views they are expressing). And nice to see that this year’s NFL season is already off to a good start.
Are you ready for some football?
