Laura Ricketts, the first openly gay (co-)owner of a Major League Baseball team (with her family), tweeted over the weekend that she, her brothers, and Cubs executives, okayed the acquisition of Daniel Murphy after “considered and thoughtful conversations” about his homophobic views.
Murphy, who has never changed his view that he “disagrees with the (gay) lifestyle, 100 percent,” was traded to the Cubs last week just five days before “Out at Wrigley,” the franchise’s long-running LGBTQ Pride night.
Tweeted Ricketts: “Since several people have asked…yes, I was consulted prior to the Daniel Murphy trade. There were several thoughtful conversations among Cubs executives, my brothers and me, as well as with Billy Bean, MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion and the subject of Daniel’s 2015 comments. I know Billy and have immense respect for him and his work with the league. Billy, who has since developed a friendship with Daniel, was very positive and encouraging. After these considered and thoughtful conversations, which took place precisely because of the Cubs’ sensitivities on the matter, I was on board with the trade.”
Since several people have asked…yes, I was consulted prior to the Daniel Murphy trade. There were several thoughtful conversations among Cubs executives, my brothers and me, as well as with Billy Bean, MLB’s Ambassador for Inclusion and the subject of Daniel’s 2015 comments.
— Laura Ricketts (@LMRicketts) August 26, 2018
After these considered and thoughtful conversations, which took place precisely because of the Cubs’ sensitivities on the matter, I was on board with the trade.
— Laura Ricketts (@LMRicketts) August 26, 2018
