A The National Women’s Soccer League player sat out a game on Friday after refusing to wear a Pride-themed jersey.
North Carolina Courage defenseman Jaelene Daniels was off the court for the team’s game against the Washington Spirit as part of Pride Night celebrations.
“Jaelene will not be on the roster tonight as she has made the decision not to wear our Pride jersey,” the Courage said, by ESPN. “While we are disappointed with her choice, we respect her right to make this decision on her own.”
North Carolina Courage defender Jaelene Daniels (left) and Portland Thorns FC defender Christen Westphal battle for the ball during the second half of an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match at Zions Bank Stadium in June 2020.
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
“We are thrilled to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with our fans, players and staff tonight and look forward to hosting our first-ever Pride Festival before kick-off,” Courage added.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw.
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In 2017, Daniels, formerly known as Jaelene Hinkle before marrying in 2020, cited her Christian faith as why she later refused to wear a Pride-themed jersey, preventing her from playing for the US Women’s National Team.
“I felt so convinced in my mind that it wasn’t my job to wear that jersey,” the football player Told Club 700. “I gave myself three days to just seek and pray and figure out what He was asking me to do in this situation…I knew in my mind that I was doing the right thing. I knew I was obedient.”
Daniels signed a one-year contract with Courage in December amid criticism about him past comments on gay rights.
“I remain committed to my faith and my desire for people to know that my love for them is not based on their belief system or their sexuality,” she said. said in a statement posted on Twitter. “I pray and firmly believe that my teammates know how much I cherish, respect and love them.”
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Daniels has yet to comment on the absence from Friday’s game.
