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Former Cincinnati Reds star Zack Cozart is not happy with both his former team and the MLB over their participation in Spirit Day, an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day observed by wearing purple.
The Reds shared a tweet announcing their support for the cause, and Cozart shared it with his followers and provided a scathing response to the team, criticizing the league's focus on such events.
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The former Los Angeles Angels star said:
"This s**t is getting ridiculous … so sick of it… how many months and days do we celebrate real heroes of the military?"
Zack Cozart also added three angry emojis to help get his point across. Over the last several years, MLB has organized several events to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and Spirit Day is one of them.
Every single MLB team aside from the Texas Rangers hosts a Pride Night, and several are participating in Spirit Day with the Reds this year. Cozart's main issue seems to be that he believes the league does more to recognize LGBTQ+ causes than military service.
MLB analyst shreds Zack Cozart for Spirit Night take
Ben Verlander, the MLB analyst and brother of Houston Astros star Justin Verlander, responded to Cozart's take on his X account.
Verlander sarcastically said:
"How DARE MLB take a stand against bullying! How many MONTHS do we celebrate troops? It literally happens every single game. On top of a dugout. And the whole stadium stands and applauds as they should. But dedicating one day to anti-bullying?! That’s gone TOO FAR."
Verlander pointed out that the military is honored at every baseball game. Before the game, the national anthem is played and there is often a salute to service members during the game.
Verlander is of the opinion that there's plenty done for the military but not nearly enough for baseball fans in the LGBTQ+ community, and he thinks it's always a good idea to promote anti-bullying stances.
