Curt Schilling is FIRED by ESPN for anti-transgender meme: Legendary pitcher is axed for unacceptable conduct after posting offensive image and insisting 'a man is a man'
Curt Schilling posted a highly offensive meme mocking the debate over gendered restrooms
He added that 'a man is a man no matter what they call themselves'
Post came as 4th Circuit appeals court ruled in favor of a transgender student being able to use a male restroom
The ruling will now set a precedent for all 4th Circuit states
North Carolina recently passed House Bill 2 that forced people to use restrooms based on their biological gender
PUBLISHED: 19:32 EST, 20 April 2016 | UPDATED: 23:16 EST, 20 April 2016
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Fired: Schilling was axed by ESPN after making comments on social media about transgender people, saying he was expressing his opinion
ESPN has fired network analyst and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling over his comments on Facebook about transgender people.
In a statement released on Wednesday, ESPN said: 'ESPN is an inclusive company. Curt Schilling has been advised that his conduct was unacceptable and his employment with ESPN has been terminated.'
This week, Schilling, 49, reposted an image of an overweight man wearing a long blond wig and revealing women's clothing. It included the phrase: 'Let him in! To the restroom with your daughter or else you're a narrow minded, judgmental, unloving, racist bigot who needs to die!!!'
Schilling added his own comments, saying, 'A man is a man no matter what they call themselves' and 'Now you need laws telling us differently? Pathetic.'
Schilling, whose 20-year playing career ended in 2007, was apparently referring to laws in several states that restrict bathroom access to transgender people.
The debate over gendered restrooms has centered around North Carolina's House Bill 2, passed on March 25, which ordered public schools, government agencies and public college to designate bathrooms by biological sex stated on a person's birth certificate.
Following the passing, the state suffered an avalanche of bad press and immediately after the announcement, PayPal, one of many companies that objected to the bill's announcement, cancelled its $3.6million plans to open a center in Charlotte that would have brought 400 jobs to the state.
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Schilling shared a highly offensive post on Facebook Monday, of a man crudely dressed as a woman with the sarcastic caption
Bands Pearl Jam and Boston both cancelled their North Carolina gigs to protest the law.
On Tuesday, Schilling defended the post on his blog, saying he was expressing his opinion and those criticizing him are frauds.
'Let's make one thing clear right upfront,' he wrote. 'If you get offended by ANYTHING in this post, that's your fault, all yours.'
He added: 'This latest brew ha ha is beyond hilarious. I didn't post that ugly picture. I made a comment about the basic functionality of men's and women's restrooms, period.'
Schilling appeared on WEEI radio in Boston on Wednesday and again defended himself against accusations of intolerance and racism, according to The New York Times.
'To be in a place where people actually believe I'm a racist or I'm transphobic says to me that something has gone horribly askew somewhere,' he told the hosts on WEEI.
'I replied to the post. I didn't post that,' he added.
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The debate over gendered restrooms has centered around North Carolina's House Bill 2, passed on March 25, which ordered public schools, government agencies and public college to designate bathrooms by biological sex stated on a person's birth certificate. Many protested the passing (pictured)
Battle in North Carolina over transgender bathroom bill
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Schilling had been a game analyst for ESPN since the 2010 season, and appeared on the station's flagship Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts in 2014 and 2015.
He was taken off Sunday Night Baseball as well as the 2015 Little League World Series after he posted a tweet that compared Muslims to Nazis.
The tweet shared a photo of Hitler, underneath text that read: 'It is said that only 5-10% of Muslims are extremists ... In 1940, only 7% of Germans were Nazis. How'd that go?'
And above the photo he commented: 'The math is staggering when you get to true #s'.
At the time of the tweet, ESPN called it 'unacceptable', but kept him on staff, despite a history of anti-Muslim posts on his Facebook page, according to SBNation.
While making a political donation in September, he wrote on the form that his employer was 'ESPN (not sure how much longer)'.
Just last month while appearing on a Kansas City radio station, he suggested that Hillary Clinton 'should be buried under a jail somewhere' if she gave 'classified information on hundreds, if not thousands, of emails on a public server'
A six-time All-Star, Schilling played 20 years in Major League baseball and won the World Series in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
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Schilling, whose 20-year playing career ended in 2007, won three World Series during his time in the MLB
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
The least intolerant? That means they're tolerant.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
The least intolerant? That means they're tolerant.
Funny...I don't remember saying bigots had to die...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Coming from you, thats a compliment.
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Lol! You dont think Christians should be able to use a public park. THAT is the epitome of intolerance. ..
Of course they can use a public park. They shouldn't be allowed to proselytize while dangling cheeseburgers in front of children, filling their heads with superstitious nonsense.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
*snort*
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Lol! You dont think Christians should be able to use a public park. THAT is the epitome of intolerance. ..
Of course they can use a public park. They shouldn't be allowed to proselytize while dangling cheeseburgers in front of children, filling their heads with superstitious nonsense.
Well, we have freedom to do that here. No wonder you couldnt make it here...geez...you must have had fits!
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
I have compassion.
For those who are truly experiencing persecution.
But those who want to use the bathroom that doesn't match their birth gender, not so much.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
YOU do not get to say that.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Lol! You dont think Christians should be able to use a public park. THAT is the epitome of intolerance. ..
Of course they can use a public park. They shouldn't be allowed to proselytize while dangling cheeseburgers in front of children, filling their heads with superstitious nonsense.
And you shouldn't get to talk in public about your Christian hate.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
And I learned more about you than I ever wanted to.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
And I learned more about you than I ever wanted to.
flan
What a load of BS. I have many friends here. They accept me. You did...until I called you out. And everyone backed me up...
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
And I learned more about you than I ever wanted to.
flan
What a load of BS. I have many friends here. They accept me. You did...until I called you out. And everyone backed me up...
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
And I learned more about you than I ever wanted to.
flan
What a load of BS. I have many friends here. They accept me. You did...until I called you out. And everyone backed me up...
Except the ones who PM'ed me.
flan
And yet, have I betrayed your confidence? Have I posted or related anything that would make you doubt your confidence in me?
__________________
America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The tolerance nazis are the least intolerant of them all. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Either they dont care that they are hypocrites or they are too stupid to realize it. Im banking on the second...
Don't talk to me about tolerant, when gays should be grateful they're allowed to live. That was reprehensible.
Oh please.
It's more understanding they are being cry babies.
First world problems.
"He called me a name!"
How horrible.
Insert eyeroll here.
Get back to us when you have some compassion.
flan
Get back to me when someone on a message board doesnt hurt your feelings.
I really tried to friend you. I even invited you to spend the weekend with me.
You turned. You became someone I didnt like....
And I learned more about you than I ever wanted to.
flan
What a load of BS. I have many friends here. They accept me. You did...until I called you out. And everyone backed me up...
Except the ones who PM'ed me.
flan
And yet, have I betrayed your confidence? Have I posted or related anything that would make you doubt your confidence in me?
ohfour, you give entirely too much credence to flan and her comments.
__________________
LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
If he made that post on one of ESPN's terminals, on their time, I support their firing of him because he went against their "inclusive" policy. If he did it on his own time on his own personal device, it shouldn't be any of their business.
I hate that people have to be their work persona even when they are not AT work. That should be illegal.
If he made that post on one of ESPN's terminals, on their time, I support their firing of him because he went against their "inclusive" policy. If he did it on his own time on his own personal device, it shouldn't be any of their business.
I hate that people have to be their work persona even when they are not AT work. That should be illegal.
I agree. If they want to OWN you 24/7, then why aren't they paying you 24/7? I think that the lines of one's personal life should be personal and that there should be clear boundaries . However, most employment is At Will, so if they just decide today that they don't like the shoes you are wearing or you brought the wrong kind of yogurt in your lunch, they are within their rights to fire you. You aren't entitled to a job.