Following outrage over the MLB warning Christian players on the San Francisco Giants for writing Bible verses on their Pride Night caps, the sporting body’s commissioner has apologized and promised not to fine or discipline the players.

In a letter to Senator John Hawley, Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr wrote that the players “were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be” for the incident.

He said that in 2023, the league adopted a policy of “not permitting Clubs to utilize special uniforms, hats or equipment in their celebration days except under very narrow circumstances.” The Giants, as well as the Dodgers, requested in 2023 “their use of the pride emblem on uniforms/hats on Pride Night be grandfathered,” he wrote, noting that both LA and San Francisco “are homes to some of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States.”

The teams were allowed to do this, “provided that no player or uniformed staff would be required to wear them, and that the team would speak to the players to make sure they were comfortable with the apparel.” He said that players on the Giants had received “inadequate” communication regarding the uniform policy. “Some players apparently did not understand that they had the option to wear their normal uniforms and elected to add messages to their hats bearing the pride logo as a result.” 

“The Giants players were allowed to wear the hats with the biblical references for the entire game. After the game had concluded, my office issued a routine oral warning about the uniform policy violation — unfortunately it was issued before we became aware of the Giants’ lapse in communication.”  

“We understand that some players or other on-field personnel have not been comfortable wearing the pride emblem on their uniform based on their religious beliefs. As a league, we agree with the principle that players or other Club employees — at their place of work — should not be compelled to participate in a celebratory event (particularly by wearing something on their person) if such participation would violate their sincere religious beliefs or values.”