Stampeders ‘outraged’ by anti-gay comments in wide receiver’s Twitter account

CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders say they are “outraged by the offensive comments” posted on wide receiver Maurice Price’s Twitter account that appeared to disparage the sexual orientation of NFL draft pick Michael Sam.

“The comments are repugnant and in no way reflect the organization’s views or values,” the CFL club said in a statement late Monday. “The matter will now be dealt with internally.”

A tweet removed from @MauricePrice17 within an hour of its initial posting said “My faith won’t allow me to ACCEPT what took place over the weekend. Sorry. NOT sorry! #AdamandEve #NotAdamandAdam.”

“And it’s highly disturbing that under the current constitution individuals have been fined for verbalizing their thoughts,” another tweet read.

Sam became the first openly gay football player selected in the NFL draft Saturday when the St. Louis Rams drafted him in the seventh round. ESPN and the NFL Network both included video of Sam kissing his male partner in celebration during their coverage of the draft.

A later tweet from Price’s account, which was also removed, said “Of course my words get misconstrued. I wish Sam nothing but the best and hope he has a fantastic career. It’s nothing personal against him.”

The CFL fined Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Arland Bruce in February for urging Sam on social media to “submit fully to God.”

Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive tackle Bryant Turner Jr., was also fined then for a tweet saying “Michael Sam locker-room gonna come with complimentary robes.”

In the NFL, Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones was fined an undisclosed amount and will undergo educational training after he tweeted “OMG” and “Horrible” shortly after Sam’s name was announced Saturday. The tweets were taken down a short time later.

Jones apologized for his comments and described them as inappropriate. The Dolphins said Jones has been excused from all team activities until he completes training related to his comments.

Former Mississippi basketball player Marshall Henderson also tweeted that he did not agree with ESPN’s coverage of Sam at the draft and was going to boycott “SportsCentre” until the network stopped running thefootage.

— With files from The Associated Press