Cubs' Murphy asked about 2015 anti-gay comments while promoting inclusion
It was only three years ago when Daniel Murphy, then playing second base for the New York Mets, told NJ.com's Mike Vorkunov, "I do disagree with the fact that (MLB ambassador for inclusion, Billy Bean) is a homosexual."
"That doesn't mean I can't still invest in him and get to know him. We (as Christians) love the people, but we disagree with the lifestyle."
When talking to reporters before his Chicago Cubs home debut on Thursday, Murphy spoke about the value of inclusion in baseball and other industries, and was asked about his prior comments.
Daniel Murphy on past thoughts on the 🏳️🌈 community and #Cubs #OutAtWrigley event. pic.twitter.com/DdVC0sPmRg
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) August 23, 2018
Daniel Murphy on his relationship with Billy Beane and LGBTQA #Cubs fans pic.twitter.com/68WivcVTSr
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) August 23, 2018
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said Wednesday that the club vetted Murphy's comments by speaking directly with Bean, who has struck up a friendship with the infielder since 2015
"We wanted to get his impression of it," Hoyer said, according to James Neveau of NBC Chicago. "He was really positive and thought the organization could really benefit from his presence. We felt it was important to make that phone call."
The Cubs will host the 18th annual "Out at Wrigley" event on Sunday, which supports LGBTQ inclusion in MLB ballparks. It's touted as "the nation's original MLB gay day."