Torii Hunter Says He Would Feel Uncomfortable With A Gay Teammate

Torii Kedar Hunter, right fielder for the Detroit Tigers, says he would feel uncomfortable with an openly gay teammate.

Citing his religious faith, Hunter, a 37-year-old four-time All-Star, told The Los Angeles Times that playing alongside an openly gay player would be difficult to deal with.

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

Hunter, who resides during the off-season in a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth, added that an out teammate could divide the team.

While no player in the country's four major sports leagues has come out gay during his or her career, last year former Phoenix Suns CEO Rick Welts announced he's gay. And over the past couple of years, several straight athletes have openly advocated for gay rights, including New York Rangers winger Sean Avery, Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, New England Patriots safety Bret Lockett, Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Harris, New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, Washington Redskins wide receiver Donte Stallworth, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, to name a few.