Getty ImagesLike most other Americans, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo believes things.
Unlike many other Americans, Ayanbadejo has an elected official demanding he be punished for believing things. The specific belief in this case is that people of the same sex should be allowed to get married. Ayanbadejo has been outspoken about this belief, which doesn’t sit well with Maryland house of delegates-member Emmett C. Burns Jr.
Burns, a Democrat from Baltimore County, wrote a letter to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, obtained by WBAL-TV in Baltimore, to the Ravens last week demanding that the team act to muzzle Ayanbadejo and direct him to “concentrate on football and steer clear of dividing the fan base.”
“I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadejo would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically as a Raven Football player. Many of my constituents and your football supporters are appalled and aghast that a member of the Ravens Football Team would step into this controversial divide and try to sway public opinion one way or the other. … I am requesting that you take the necessary action, as a National Football League Owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employees and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions. I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing.”
Frankly, it’s inconceivable that Burns would make the request in the first place. Regardless of what side of this particular issue you might find yourself, Ayanbadejo’s right to believe what he wants about it and tell people what he believes falls well outside anything that concerns the Ravens. The Ravens had no comment beyond acknowledging they got the letter to the Washington Post and there’s zero chance they’ll follow through on Burns’ request.
Ayanbadejo has been actively sharing his thoughts on the Democratic National Convention on Twitter and sent out this tweet earlier this week, which seems apt even though it doesn’t appear to be directly related to this letter.
Football is just my job it's not who I am. I am an American before anything. And just like every American I have the right to speak!!!
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Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) September 05, 2012That pretty much sums it up.
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Well he’ll be out of office soon. Gay marriage is happening people. Nothing will change. Why anyone cares what two CONSENTING adults do is beyond me.
Would calling Maryland delegate Emmitt C. Burns a giant douche violate the rules of posting on PFT? If so, I am totally not calling Maryland delegate Emmitt C. Burns a giant douche. Because it would be wrong.
WOW! That is all I can think of to say to that.
It sounds like the politician was more concerned about opening a can of worms, rather than his stance on same sex marriage.
However, I think it’s laughable that he request that he should be punished. You can’t take away our freedom of speech
some people…
Of all the problems in this country is same sex marriage worth the time and effort these politicians put into fighting it? He ordered the ravens to silence him! Laughable! Next his KGB buddies will be at Brandon’s house!
I don’t think it’s wrong to call him a giant douche Milkman. Lol I agree with you.
He’s a DEMOCRAT? Didn’t he get the memo about the NATIONAL PLATFORM?
Also, try not to trample the rights of anyone to speak. I like the Ravens a bit more today than yesterday.
Beyond same sex marriage this politician is trying to punish someone who is using their first amendment right because they have a bigger voice being in the NFL please get him out of our government
Burns is in the minority
East California (maryland) or if you like Southern New York do not usually take kindly to people like burns.
But a player who publicly voices opposition to it, like the majority of citizens, would be crucified by the press and probably PFT as well.
What a fool. The politician who calls to suppress a citizens free speech. Regardless of what you believe….believe this dudes done.
Thank you Brendon Ayanbadejo. It’s not easy taking a position that may be an unpopular in NFL locker rooms and stadiums.
ugh…moments like this that I’m embarrassed of this country…this is a waste of text on a website
The once oppressed become the oppressor, good thing Emmitt Brown does not have any real power… Great job by the Ravens for sharing this info with the rest of Maryland.
The MD politician should be tossed out of office. Why on earth does anyone care who marries who?
I’m a Pats fan who hates the Ravens, but I love this guy. Good for him for being outspoken about it and good for the Ravens for ignoring this lunatic.
Glad I did not vote for this Burns clown. He seems like a fascist, opposing same sex marriage and freedom of speech. What a tool…
Mr. Ayanbadejo is only the second Raven that I have mad respect for. Stand your ground sir and profess your beliefs. This is America, and to be censored by a politician or employer is completely unacceptable.
But, I’m pretty sure Emmit C Burns is just fine with the NFL players that are openly (and actively) Christian.
My disclaimer: I am not a Ravens fan, I don’t know Brendon Ayanbadejo from Adam, and my opinion on this subject differs a little from his. However, I agree 100% with his God-given, American right to proffer his opinion. He didn’t call anyone names, he didn’t insult anyone, he didn’t say or do anything illegal. He expressed his opinion and he has every right to do so. For that, I completely support him.
Who the F does this guy think he is? We as americans have the right to speak our minds and have our own beliefs, right? I think we as voters should take the appropriate actions to silence and vote Mr closed minded Burns out of office. We have alot bigger issues in this country then same sex marriages. Comon get freakin real.
Burns is an absolute IDIOT!!!
Makes you wonder if anyone ever tried to muzzle Tebow. They should but that just my opinion.
This is America! You’d think Ayanbadejo would relize he doesn’t have the right to verbally express his beliefs with out fear of reprise…oh wait, he does nevermind carry on.
Go ahead and get married.
Then when he wants half of your money and custody of the kids, you will… err, nevermind.
Yeah…. So why does this politician care so much that he wants the Ravens to punish him? That is absurd. No wonder things don’t get done by American politicians, they never focus on the important issues with your country.
He’s not being punished for “believing things”.
That is disingenuous and poor semantic comprehension for a “professional” journalist.
He is being asked not to publicly advocate for a controversial issue while an active member of a high-profile pro sports team.
If it was the off-season it probably wouldn’t get much play either way, but since this writer clearly supports this agenda he proves the point that this player should be quiet on hot-topic political issue during the season.
He’s an employee, and as such, his speech can be limited when he is representing the company. The cashier at Burger King ain’t getting paid to pop off about fair wages and capitalists.
bleedburgandyandgold says:Sep 6, 2012 9:17 PM
WOW! That is all I can think of to say to that.
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totally agreed…
Some people just can’t seem to separate the bible from reality
Wow… Obviously Mr Burns is not acquainted with the 1st Amendment.
Using your political office to try and silence an American expressing his beliefs?
That’s just gay.
I wanna know what kind of letter the owner sent back to this Emmitt Burns. Hopefully he sent one back telling Mr Burns to take his bigotry and shove it
God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve!!
But how does Tebow feel about this?
LMAO, ok this guy is a DEMOCRAt and they promote themselves as being the party of CHOICE.
It is to laugh, what a maroon this Burns guy is.
I’m a catholic republican from the state of Maryland. Not only do I support Ayanbadeo’s right to voice his opinion, but I also support the rights for gays to marry. Shouldn’t be the governments job to tell people who they can and can’t marry. Burns is an absolute idiot. He wants to censor an American citizen for supporting a cause that his party supports?? I’ll get nothing but thumbs down for this, but this is why I don’t vote for the majority of democrats.
A New England democrat is vocally chastising a same sex marriage proponent? Congrats, you just lost your next primary.
Glad some NFL players are stepping to the plate and spreading tolerance. This guy, plus the niners “it gets better” video, will help ease the pain of many athletes afraid to come out.
Wait, he’s a Democrat? I could see that from a right-winger, but Democrats are SUPPOSED to be liberals.
Did this doofus fail to read his handbook or something?
Major props to Ayanbadejo for supporting a gay issue, which is daunting for a football player…and to the Ravens for having the good sense to stay out of it.
Rather than condemn a man for speaking his mind because it might divide a fan base, I applaud Brendan for taking a stance and standing up for what he believes in DESPITE any fan base.
This guy realizes these are adults consenting to marriage and can be just as miserable as a man/woman, right? You people who oppose that should go live in the middle east or at a minimum all jump off a bridge.
Them Dems sure know how to keep em’ laughing.
This is why our government is such a mess. Morons like this are in positions of power. He has no idea what free speech means. This should hopefully end his political career. Good for the Ravens for getting this letter out there.
So…, Mr. Burns is interested in silencing Mr Ayanbedejo’s right to free speech and has requested the Ravens muzzle him “to cease and desist such injurious actions”. What exactly is the ‘injurious action’ in expressing an opinion on this or any topic?
Perhaps it’s time for Mr. Burns to step down, lest his senility cause him further embarrassments
I blame Emmet C. Burns Sr.
Emmett C. Burns Jr is a disgusting individual, and an embarrassment to the party.
He is a Democrat too. Did he listen to Michelle Obama speak the other night? Perhaps he wants Barack Obama to punish Michelle for expressing the same sentiment at the Democratic National Convention.
Politicians use topics like same sex and abortion rights to divide and divert us from topics that are actually important like jobs and taxes. Its the oldest trick in their book.
wow, that is scary, a elected official ordering a cease and desist on somebody just speaking their mind, SCARY
i don’t have twitter but i just read Brendon’s feed, he is an educated and informed young man. i wish there would be more people like him around and less people like that politician.
big ups and much respect to Brendon Ayanbadejo
This world is gonna be destroyed in no time…
weren’t the ravens named after baltimore’s favorite son edgar allen poe’s missive “the raven”? and wasn’t he widely rumored to be of an alternative lifestyle?
He wants to take away his freedom of speech. That is amazing in this day in age.
Whether u are for or against gay marriage, trying to force a man to stop speaking in this country is deplorable.
Censureship? Wtf. This clown needs to resign
His party should take action to keep Rep Burns from being part of the political process.
“I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadejo would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically as a Raven Football player. Many of my constituents and your football supporters are appalled and aghast that a member of the Ravens Football Team would step into this controversial divide and try to sway public opinion one way or the other. … I am requesting that you take the necessary action, as a National Football League Owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employees and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions. I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing.”
What is appalling is the fact that this guy was ever elected to public office. Brendon Ayanbadejo as a citizen of the United States of America is entitled not only to his opinion, but to express himself and his opinion publicly without reprisal, retribution or rebuke from a PUBLIC SERVANT!! Shut up you bigot.
Wow! So much for Freedom, Small Government, protecting the Constitution and all that stuff. Right?
Mr. Burns needs a refresher course on the Amendments I do believe. Perhaps Homer can assist him.
bbb
What a hate-filled scrotum of a being. He probably referred to Ayanbadejo as being “uppity”
Wow a politician who wants to exercise his rights of free speech to spread his message of hate but wants to not allow that same right of free speech to spread a message of hope and anti-prejudice.
Clown Shoes.
And a Democrat no less…Ayanbadejo is advocating the official party platform!
Methinks that Brendon should send a letter to the state house asking for legislators to be held to a grammar and capitalization test before assuming office.
Aren’t they both entitled to their own opinion? Why are we blasting one or the other?
Just let either voice their opinion. Agree or disagree, they each have the right to either argument.
Remember when we used to be able to do that…?
BTW I’m not a Ravens fan, but I am now a HUGE Ayanbadejo fan!
Wow! That guy is a DEMOCRAT??? He’s definitely in the wrong party. And century. He should be wearing a brownshirt.
While I do not believe in what the player is saying, I believe in his right to an opinion and his public expression of it. I also do not believe that athletes, actors, and other public figures should be as vocal on these topics for their own sakes, but he has that right and it must be respected, especially by our nation’s politicians.
marriage is a religious (christian, catholic, etc) definition that is a union between a man and a woman. Just “define” “marriage” as something else for the gays and be done with it already! Its the word that’s the problem just call it something else so the pope doesn’t shart in his robe.
Someone should tell him that he’s a Democrat, not a republican.
There’s only one way to reply to such a request: become MORE outspoken. Do not, for one second, be silenced by this small-minded twit.
“Inconceivable…” I don’t think it means what he thinks it means. BTW, Rep. Burns is also a Baptist minister.
Wow, a bigot that doesn’t support free speech. Time for him to go constituents!
So, I’m confused. It is a democrat making fool over himself over gay marriage? Sure, and I suppose he is opposed to abortion, supports the 2nd amendment and supports free enterprise…Is he aware of how our two party system works?
Typical Baltimore politian pushes his democratic principles into the people
Another reason to hate Baltimore and the spineless Ravens
God is against it therefore so am I…
Imagine that! A “democrat” seeking to control an individual’s thought and speech!
So a liberal politican in a liberal state is telling a liberal player with a liberal idea to be quiet about said idea?
Yeeeeeeeeeaaaahhhh, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say this is another case of the media not telling the whole story.
Sent the letter to the wrong person.
Roger would have been glad to fine the heck out of Ayenbadejo.
Harrison too for not publicly disagreeing.
And Burns is a Democrat?
nyyjetsknicks says:Sep 6, 2012 9:16 PM
Well he’ll be out of office soon. Gay marriage is happening people. Nothing will change. Why anyone cares what two CONSENTING adults do is beyond me.
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Couldn’t agree with you more. The sad part is, he’s an elected official. Ultimately, we’re talking about LOVE people… encourage it, don’t condemn it!
As a member of government, by asking the Raven’s to limit someones freedom of speech, is this guy not violating the first amendment?
I live in this communist state. Remember this kind of garbage when Martin O’Malley runs for prez. It’s ridiculous.
This politician comes off looking like Satan, but let’s not be too surprised. He is a politician
Just think about the level of intelligence this elected official has. This guy gets paid a lot if money to serve people and look how he’s using his time….it’s beyond frustrating.
We need to band together to stamp out free speech in this country. If one person is able to voice a differing opinion others will follow. The time is now. Boycott the ravens!!!!!!!
@milkmandanimal says:
I don’t know if you can call him a douche, idiot, blowhard, jackass….but you can call him a kumquat, tho I have nothing against them.
whatever
t8ertot-he’s a Dem…they firmly believe in taking away people’s freedom of speech. What’s bizarre is the side of this issue he falls on being a Dem
I wish I lived on this guys district just to vote against him
It’s nice to know Emmett Burns believes in freedom of speech, otherwise known as our First Amendment.
But why worry about other important issues when there’s two dudes kissing…
I heard some chicken place is looking for a few good men. Let people live their own lives.
Gays have the right to be every bit to be just as miserable as the rest of us married people. They have the right to have their spouse starting busting their chops 5 minutes before kickoff like the rest of us.
I’m more shocked he was identified as a “Democrat.”
“Inhibit expression” should not be in any politician’s lexicon…
Typical leftist wanting to silence opposition. In a liberals mind only they have free speech. If someone disagrees they want to silence them. The country doesn’t want same sex marriage. In 38 votes put to the public they voted it down 38 times. Even in the most liberal state if California it lost by 10 points.
0% chance this burns guy hasn’t fantasized of relations with ray lewis.
Why we need the government involved in what has been historically a church sacrament is beyond me
Is it really too much to ask that the people writing laws in our country understand our constitution?
Divide and conquer tactics. Trying to segregate people of all kinds into groups rather than unite them. Separatism.
If grown men want to play hide the pigskin who is some politician to tell them not to?
Nothing like a politician tryin to impede constitutionally protected rights; you know, like the 1st amendment.
Yeah freedom of speech unless you discuss 9/11 being an inside job or something else unpopular. Very different than PFT’s coverage of the Rashard Mendenhall situation last year.
I wrote an essay called “Manufacturing Content” last year regarding the un-American nature of condemning Rashard Mendenhall for his opinions. It’s on Scribd for those interested.
Welcome to Romney’s view for the future of America…
I am anything but a fan of the Ravens, but I’m suddenly a big fan of Brendon Ayanbadejo
Maybe Mr. Democrat should understand that in this great place called the United States of America, we hold dear to us this thing called the Freedom of Speech. It’s found in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution. If you don’t like it, you can respectfully leave this wonderful country.
Political suicide.
Good for you, Brandon! I don’t agree but I support your right to speak your mind 100%! Can’t believe any politician would open their mouth on this one. But leave it to a Dem to want to limit someone’s freedom of speech…
An idiot gets a majority of other idiots to vote for him and he actually believes his opinion matters to someone who really accomplished something. What a fool.
This politician should shut up and focus on crap that matters. No wonder this country has the issues it has today, because idiots like this on both sides of the aisle are focused on shutting up a freakin football player.
Ugh.
yes politicians should stay out of nfl players business.
but gay marriage is a huge deal. it continues to erode the american family which is one of the major factors of the poverty rate in this country.
there is a huge portion of the country that is against this. as evidenced by the record of the voters. when given an opportunity voters have never chosen gay marriage. it has been voted down time and time again.
The idea that someone so incredibly stupid could be elected to public office is mind bottling.
Another reason to throw ALL the bums out of Washington. Republican or Democrat, these guys are all fools. And so are we to let this type of garbage continue. Ayanbadejo, like you, can speak his mind, like it or not. Only a polly would ask his boss to shut his mouth.
No matter how one feels about same sex marriages, you have to be concerned that a member of the American Gov’t would ask an employer (in writing, no less) to strong-arm an employee into silence about his beliefs.
If anybody needs to be silent, it’s Emmett C. Burns Jr.
In the words of Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death.”
Maybe people of Maryland should send him a letter “to cease and desist such injurious actions” as opposing same-sex marriage. How about that? Moron!
Emmett Burns just wanted his name in the news, so he says something that panders to an extreme point of view. It’s pathetic, transparent and a very tiresome tactic. Enough already.
I’m a republican and a catholic and this is a topic I don’t align myself with the groups I tend to agree with most. My uncle who has been with the same man for 38 years. if you can’t procreate then those shouldn’t be married because one of the arguments is two of the same sex can’t make children. but you know that all not right!
I agree with what milkmandanimal didn’t say. And I couldn’t have not said it better myself.
I wonder if he would have wrote the letter if Brendon Ayanbadejo would have said that he agreed with the politician. You only have free speech in this country if people agree with what your saying.
I’m all for freedom of speech but the day politics penetrate football, it will truly be Not For Long.
wow, with all the hate this Burns fool is spewing he would fit right in a the DNC party this week. Why do these American democrats hate so much?
Ol’ Monty Burns there should be committed to a mental institution.
With a 16 trillion dollar debt, I would think that these guys have a lot more to worry about than the social or political beliefs of a local football player!
I still dont this issue, why do people care who OTHERS have in their bed ? Mind your own business, let people love who they want ?
Smithers!! Get me the Ravens on the phone! We’ll stop any of this subversive football players thinking for themselves in its tracks …
A democrat wrote a letter taking offense to gay marriage… That makes no sense… Are you sure he isn’t a republican?
Meant to say GET THIS ISSUE
I hate politicians!!! Football player or not the man is an American. He can say what he wants.
What kind of communist is this guy? This is America – we don’t tell people what they can’t say.
Did this guy read the constitution before taking his oath of office? Next is to clone McCarthy and start the un-american acts commitee. Jackwagon!
Whether or not anyone agrees with Brendon’s opinion is irrelevant to his right to state it. Is Mr. Burns aware of the country in which he is holding public office?
Burns is a Democrat? He sounds like Rush Limbaugh.
It boggles my mind that it’s 2012 and people, adult human beings no less, actually think this way. More than that – he’s in a position of influence and power! Who elects these ignorant knuckle-heads?!? I hope mr. Emmet c burns jr. is sterile. No need for him to produce offspring. Brendon Ayanbadejo is a good man. It’s great to see a pro athlete stand for something genuinely important. Keep it up!
I didn’t know who Brendon Ayanbadejo was before this, but I certainly respect him and will remember him now
But…But, He’s a Democrat? Isn’t Burns disagreeing with the party platform?
Consenting adults can and always will do what they want. Yes, there are more important issues to be under discussion. Like women’s rights.
The nerve of that guy to write that letter, what does that say about how delusional Burns is to his status and influence? Scary thing.
Is that the same convention where GOD got booed?
i thought only republicans hated the gays. derrrrrrp
FREEDOM. OF. SPEECH.
You and I did not get here with same sex marriage! How often do you see it in nature? Clear to me!!!!
I’m jut shocked this came from a Democrat.
Ah yes. The party of “tolerance”.
I think the fact that he is a reverend played more into the decision to write the letter than the fact that he is a democrat.
And this from a member of the party that calls the other party nazis. We ALL need to be worried now. Take away freedom of speech and belief – what will be next?
And this from a member of the party that calls the other party nazis. We ALL need to be worried now. Take away freedom of speech and belief – what will be next?
Because Bisciotti is always, you know, susceptible to outside political pressure from tinplate politicians who have no understanding of the law.
Don’t pull this he has his “freedom of speech” stuff.
Sure he does. We all do, and that’s one thing that makes this country the best on the planet.
However, the NFL and the team owners have no problem fining/punishing any players or coaches when they use their “freedom of speech” to publicly criticize the refs or the league office.
Why are those comments not protected by that same freedom of speech, and why do you not blast the NFL when they fine people for those comments and violating the same freedom of speech that you support here?
Why anyone cares what two CONSENTING adults do is beyond me
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So you’re O.K. with me marrying my sister as long as we are both consenting adults? How about if I want 20 wifes, is that O.K. too? Or maybe 20 wifes and 20 husbands. We’ be 41 consenting adults. Heck let’ through my dog in there while we’re at it.
His job is to play and represent the football team, not to make the fans take sides, nobody wants to hear that anyway for the sake of team.
I would like to thank all the posters here who understand the First Amendment and the guarantee of freedom of speech accorded all Americans, even the Neanderthals like Burns and others who would use their freedom of speech to deny it to others.
Not a Ravens fan at all, but Brendon is now my favorite player.
This politician needs to read the Constitution. He should start at the beginning, with First Amendment!
Good for him. The fact that he is open about being gay is actually pretty cool
Actually the constitutional concept of freedom of speech is a protection from the government. Not employers. Don’t believe me? Go tell your boss that he’s an idiot and the company sucks, see how fast you get fired.
Marriage should be reinforced not redefined! The definition of marriage according to websters dictionary is- the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.
If gay people want to have a union that is fine but call it something else. Its not marriage. God created man and created woman for man. The fact that this is even in question is atrocious.
So this guy Burns is a “reverend” is he? Well, that explains the disgusting hypocrisy.
“I like your Jesus. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Jesus.” – M. Ghandi
malkinrulez says: Sep 6, 2012 9:18 PM
Of all the problems in this country is same sex marriage worth the time and effort these politicians put into fighting it? He ordered the ravens to silence him! Laughable! Next his KGB buddies will be at Brandon’s house!
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As long as us married hetero couples are getting better tax benefits and insurance coverage because of our status as married heteros, then yeah, it’s a problem worth the time and effort.
How would you like it if you were heterosexual, but some really REALLY old book said something bad about heterosexuals, and the laws therefore said you weren’t *really* married to the person you chose to spend the rest of your life with, and it had a negative financial impact on your life? You’d think it was worth the time and effort to fight for it.
And when a figure with a high profile in the public sphere says something about it, it’s important. The player has every right to use his status as a public figure to voice his opinion to a wide audience. The public has every right not to listen. The politician has a right to disagree. But he doesn’t have the right to stop the player from talking.
What else ya got?
Burns is African American, statistically a significantly higher proportion of Blacks and Latinos are against gay rights. Black southern democrats are notorious for there position against gay rights, that’s why he’s going against the party line.
“A democrat wrote a letter taking offense to gay marriage… That makes no sense… Are you sure he isn’t a republican?”
=============================
It makes total sense if you actually understood the groups that comprise your own party, Democrat.
You see, Emmet Burns is a black Democrat. He represents a constituency in Baltimore that is overwhelming black. You may know that blacks are overwhelmingly Democrat, but you probably don’t also know that they are overwhelmingly against gay marriage. That doesn’t change just because they’re Democrats. In fact, it was the high black voter turnout for Obama in 2008 that helped shoot down the same sex marriage bill in California.
@durn009. Actually it is quite comman throughout the ENTIRE animal kingdom. You should read some science books.
“durno99 says:
Sep 6, 2012 11:02 PM
You and I did not get here with same sex marriage! How often do you see it in nature? Clear to me!!!!”
Are.. are you serious?
I see same sex marriage in nature about as often as I see “traditional” marriage in nature.
So I guess its perfectly okay for loudmouth religious wackos like Tim Tebow to browbeat us with his insane beliefs but an NFL player voicing his opinion on gay marriage is an abomination?? are you kidding me?? These political hack religious creeps make me sick to my stomach.
durno99
Two things:
Humans ARE part of nature. So how often do I see it? All of the time.
Secondly, it’s not that uncommon with birds.
But then again, I’m one of those people who understands science, so I might as well be speaking a different language than you are.
Any pub is good pub.
Dear Emmett C. Burns Jr.,
We recently recieved a letter with your stationary head. I feel that you should be aware that some a-hole is signing your name to stupid letters.
Very truly yours,
The Baltimore Ravens
Ayanbadejo should keep his mouth shot because he is damaging the image of the party and chasing away potential democrat voters.
Don’t say anything until Obama is re-elected.
brendon is a good dude, it makes sense that he’d stand out and show support like this. more athletes should follow suit.
For those of you making the “I can’t believe he’s a Democrat” comments…this article left out a crucial background piece on Delegate Burns. He’s a Baptist Minister in addition to being a delegate. He was also born in Mississippi. So he’s for that who Southern Baptist bigotry wrapped in prayer thing going despite having (D) next to his name.
If its okay to browbeat people with your stupid religious mythology why is it not okay to back gay marriage?
Unbeliveable, a Democrat from Baltimore is standing in the way of the first Ahole baby
If these people put as much effort to stop the violence as they do gay marriages, we’ll have world peace. No matter what they do, you can’t change the way people feel I mean what they’re gonna do, hack anyones’ head for being gay or believing in gay marriages. I believe in live at let live, gays are not interfering or affecting my life so why should we interfer and affect theirs. They can keep on wasting millions and millions on this non issue or they could fight against something more worthy like gangs, drunk drivers, drug dealers, rapist and murderers because those are the ones that’s dangerous to our society.
Sounds to me like Burns was saying…..”Please, vote me out of office!” WHAT AN IDIOT! I don’t care what side of this issue you are on, you do not write an employer and tell them to tell there employee to cease and desist exercising their 1st Amendment rights!
I am from Baltimore County and I hope I get the chance to vote this ass out of office or at least run into him and tell him he is an ass!
Drew Breeds would like an explanation.
Every American has the right to speak AND the right not to listen.
No one has the guts to say it. NO ONE in this country is more opposed to gay marriage than Christian African-Americans. NO ONE. Open your eyes people and admit the harsh truth to yourself, or accept it.
patspatspatspats says:
Sep 6, 2012 10:23 PM
yes politicians should stay out of nfl players business.
but gay marriage is a huge deal. it continues to erode the american family which is one of the major factors of the poverty rate in this country.
there is a huge portion of the country that is against this. as evidenced by the record of the voters. when given an opportunity voters have never chosen gay marriage. it has been voted down time and time again.
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Wow! I suppose your the same guy that thinks the Earth is 10,000 yrs old too & fossils are lies! Global warming is fake!
nikkodawg
So you’re O.K. with me marrying my sister as long as we are both consenting adults? How about if I want 20 wifes, is that O.K. too? Or maybe 20 wifes and 20 husbands. We’ be 41 consenting adults. Heck let’ through my dog in there while we’re at it.
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I’d make a crack at you being “Southern” but that would make my life partner look bad. No, I’m personally not okay with you marrying your sister, but there are plenty of states that would allow that. People like you will never understand what it’s like to be treated so badly, or be denied your HUMAN RIGHTS. Did you ever serve your country? I’ll bet not. But my partner does, and she’s more of a human than you’ll ever be.
You’re what’s wrong with OUR country.
Should we really be surprised? A politician trying to throw his weight around. Just one example of why so few of them can be trusted.
Same subject is being brought up in Scotland with a bill being introduced to legalise gay marriage. Have a lot of respect for Ayanbadejo being brave enough to make such a statement.
To be serious for a moment, the posters who point out the First Amendent does not guarantee the right to say whatever your employer objects to on the job are correct, of course (subject to some limits). But that’s not the issue. A smart employer is also free, if he wishes, to let their employees get involved in civic affairs or activities and thereby make the team more appealing to its consituency (fanbase). You don’t have to agree with each cause an employee suports, any more than you try to linmit your team to all players of one political party or another. On the Ravens, Ray Rice has actively taken up the campaign against bullying, and Ray Lewis has set up charitable foundations. And Bisciotti is definitely smart.
Unlike, say, his “counterpart” down the road in DC.
bluebongzilla says:
Sep 6, 2012 11:26 PM
Actually the constitutional concept of freedom of speech is a protection from the government. Not employers. Don’t believe me? Go tell your boss that he’s an idiot and the company sucks, see how fast you get fired.
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This is correct for the most part. Saying something will have, at the end, some form of consequence/outcome. Everything has a risk.
In this situation, a government official is asking the Ravens to inhibit an employee because he disagrees with his standing on an issue that doesn’t relate with the employer or the job. That is a violation of his freedom of speech.
And while Rep. Burns has a right to say he disagrees with Ayanbadejo, he doesn’t have a right to try to silence him via employer coercion. And now Burns will feel the consequences statement I made in my first paragraph.
As a Steeler fan, I say Ayanbadejo, like any other US citizen (and yes, even including Mendenhall and what he said), has the right to speak his opinion. You don’t have to agree with it at all, but you have to support the ability to be able to speak it. If anyone votes for Burns, who basically is demanding censorship, then they should move out of the USA. Can’t believe he put his demand in writing!
Are we sure that letter wasn’t written in 1812 instead of 2012?
BRAVO Ayanbadejo!!!! This Steeler fan has a new-found respect for you as a human being, and whether I agree with your stance or not 100% support your right to express your opinion on the matter. Leave it to the corrupt MD. politicians to try to bully their constituency into silent. My fellow Maryland voters, remember these corrupt scumbags at the poll the next election cycle please.
come on folks. surely giving up freedom of speech is a small price to pay to keep up a false sense of sanctity in an institution which, if statistics are to be believed, fails over half the time anyway…..
My guess is the media will sweep this under the rug just like they did with the Biden’s “put you all back in chains” comment. And if it was a conservative making the comments, they would be lambasting them into the new year.
Cheers to Brendon Ayanbadejo! He’s earned a new fan!
What I don’t understand is why it is that people who support same-sex marriage often characterize those who oppose same-sex marriage as being “hateful.” It’s a difference of opinion and a matter of conviction. There’s no reason for people on each side of the fence to call each other names.
I have a nephew, whom I love very much, who got his live-in girlfriend pregnant and is not planning on marrying her. I disagree with the concept of same-sex marriage but I also disagree with the concept of unmarried people living together and having children outside of marriage. If my opposition to same-sex marriage means that I supposedly hate gay people (I certainly don’t), does my opposition to cohabitation mean I also hate my nephew?
BRAVO Ayanbadejo
If he does “divide” the fan base, he’ll add some new fans in the process.
Chris Kluwe’s letter to Burns, posted on Deadspin.com, is worth reading. I would post the link, but even the URL contains profanities.
“In closing, I would like to say that I hope this letter, in some small way, causes you to reflect upon the magnitude of the colossal foot in mouth clusterf**k you so brazenly unleashed on a man whose only crime was speaking out for something he believed in. Best of luck in the next election; I’m fairly certain you might need it.”
Politicians are so out of touch. In what world does he honestly think he has the power to call up a random persons boss and “ORDER” them to make someone stop talking.
“He is being asked not to publicly advocate for a controversial issue while an active member of a high-profile pro sports team. ”
I dont see them calling for the end of sports players doing commercials for autism.
Burns forgets ravens players arent elected. I get most high paying jobs now force you to sign nondiscolosure agreements but not here buddy
“He is being asked not to publicly advocate for a controversial issue while an active member of a high-profile pro sports team. ”
I dont see them calling for the end of sports players doing commercials for autism.
Burns forgets ravens players arent elected. I get most high paying jobs now force you to sign nondisclosure agreements but not here buddy
joneildu says: Sep 6, 2012 9:37 PM
A New England democrat is vocally chastising a same sex marriage proponent? Congrats, you just lost your next primary.
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Maryland is not part of New England. It’s not even close.
So many things about this story make me sad, but one thing especially so. Usually when something like this happens, my Facebook newsfeed is inundated with my friends liking it, sharing it and patting each other on the back in a liberal group hug. Yet this story I haven’t heard a thing about and I am forced to read about it four dys later on, of all things, a football website. The only difference between this and every other story is that the politician involved is a Democrat and not a Republican.
It makes me sad that I thought my American friends (I’m British) were all socially conscious and really cared about civil rights and equality issues, when it turns out all they really seem to care about is which party their friends vote for.
berniemadoffsides says:
Sep 6, 2012 9:50 PM
Aren’t they both entitled to their own opinion? Why are we blasting one or the other?
Just let either voice their opinion. Agree or disagree, they each have the right to either argument.
Remember when we used to be able to do that…?
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What is angering most people is not Burns’ view on gay marriage, but the fact that he wants to silence ayanbadejo’s right to voice his, a clear violation of the first amendment and his pursuit of happiness.
What most people don’t know….Marriage is not where it ends. This is just the beginning. The goal is to have everyone condone their behavior. Most people don’t have that view, except to believe they are less discriminating, more humane, more compassionate than others. That is not true. Most people, don’t have an opinion other than a high opinion of themselves. ie. They care more than others, etc.
The solution to this is simple:
Marriage is a religious institution. If gays can find a church to marry them, great. Either way, the Govt shouldn’t be involved to condone or censor. It should provide equality for what two consenting adults want to do. Realistically, the Govt is so corrupt, who cares what they think of marriage anyway.
Trust me..it does not end until they have everybody not just recognize them as marriage, but to actually condone and endorse their behavior. Gays are taking aim at the Bible, and at the people who don’t agree with them, this does not end at marriage. That is just the next step.
Gays want their issues to be front and center of the NFL, of the military, etc.
Either way…Divorce lawyers are the big winners. They need the extra customers.
3octaveFart says: Sep 6, 2012 10:16 PM
Welcome to Romney’s view for the future of America
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No. Welcome to an aszhole’s spin on what Mitt Romney believes…(and it) having anything to do with what he would or wouldn’t do as President. Btw, you f*cking jackasz, your savior obama said he held THE SAME beliefs just a year ago. So stop with your double standard BS!!
It is SO obvious that liberals are extremely elitist and intolerant jerks, as they have repeatedly voted thumbs down here just for a conservative minded person stating that “while they may not agree with same-sex marriage, they believe in freedom of speech” OR just stating that they’re a Christian or a republican!! My friends are both democrats and republicans, and I don’t know ANY- from EITHER party who “hates” gays. It’s sad to me that you people who actually do HATE those who have a different opinion than you do are so quick to attack their character or intellect. It tells MUCH more about YOU and your inability to articulate a winning argument on the merits.
I feel this politician has no place representing Americans in our society based on liberty!! But then, I’m a nutty Constitutionalist who believes in equal rights and freedom of speech.
Let’s see the Sodom Ravens and the Gomorrah Colts and their fan base want same sex marriage and same sex attraction to be legal . Some people say it’s the sign of the times . ” Stop being old fashioned and get with it . ” No thank you . I’ll follow a higher authority who has already gone through this once . Life is too short to mess around with the ultimate commissioner .
ajchargers says: Sep 7, 2012 1:22 AM
nikkodawg
So you’re O.K. with me marrying my sister as long as we are both consenting adults? How about if I want 20 wifes, is that O.K. too? Or maybe 20 wifes and 20 husbands. We’ be 41 consenting adults. Heck let’ through my dog in there while we’re at it.
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I’d make a crack at you being “Southern” but that would make my life partner look bad. No, I’m personally not okay with you marrying your sister, but there are plenty of states that would allow that. People like you will never understand what it’s like to be treated so badly, or be denied your HUMAN RIGHTS. Did you ever serve your country? I’ll bet not. But my partner does, and she’s more of a human than you’ll ever be.
You’re what’s wrong with OUR country.
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No, YOU are (what’s wrong). You making a crack at him being southern would actually make YOU look bad, not your mate, dumbass. You think it’s intelligent or fair to stereotype people?? And why are you not okay with him marrying his sister? How would that affect you and your life? And where are these states that allow him to marry his sister? How the hell do you get off telling someone you know NOTHING about that they are “people like you” (what’s that mean?) and that he’ll never understand what it’s like to be mistreated? Do you have ESP? You know his story? Maybe he’s black! I bet it’s actually that “people like you” means those who disagree with you. … You don’t have a “HUMAN RIGHT” to get married! Where do people like you get this crap? Do you have a human right to have a nice home or a certain income just because you want them? In this country you have the opportunity to acquire those things through hard work, NOT a government mandate! There’s no law against you co-habitating with another female who you love sexually! But an overwhelming majority of the citizens in this nation believe that marriage is a religious institution reserved for a man and a woman who will most likely procreate and raise a family. Sorry! You are in a great minority. “Queer” means odd. People like you make up about 6% of the population. And it’s more rare in nature. We’re all sorry. … And then you dig yourself an even deeper hole in the land of stupid by speculating that this person never served his country. Why would you just assume something like that? And going even further off the cliff of reason, you say your partner is “more human” than this guy? What dictates being more human? You’re a very irrational human. People like you don’t reason very well, but you sure do feel. And then you only rationalize your feelings. It’s sad to see people like you deciding that your strong convictions make you more, let alone AS intellectual as a person who only presented a valid and reasonable debate. And only YOU became hostile! Your obvious poor attitude and hypersensitivity has most likely been much more of a factor in your FEELING that you’ve been mistreated than reality. People like you are intolerant of others having a different opinion, and it hurts discourse and our nation.
Why should they not have the same benifits as any other American couple? Religious feelings aside, they should get equal treatment to any other US citizen.
Though a tad late to this party, I’ll say this:
I’m white.
I’m Republican.
I’m old.
I was born Southern and raised Southern Baptist.
And I totally support Mr. Ayanbadejo’s right to believe what he wants and to say so. Mr. Burns can kiss my ___ while he reads the First Amendment.