49ers’ Chris Culliver apologizes for his anti-gay comments

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver apologized Wednesday night for anti-gay remarks he made during a Super Bowl media day interview with comedian Artie Lange.

“The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel,” Culliver said in a statement released by the team. “It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience.”

Culliver was being interviewed by Lange on Tuesday night when Lange asked him if there were gay players in the NFL.

“I don’t do the gay guys man,” Culliver said. “I don’t do that.”

Lange asked if he thought there were any gay players currently on the 49ers.

“No, we don’t got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff.”

The 49ers also released a statement Wednesday:

“The San Francisco 49ers reject the comments that were made yesterday, and have addressed the matter with Chris. There is no place for discrimination within our organization at any level. We have and always will proudly support the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.”

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