Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into Major League Baseball (MLB) to determine whether the league is treating religious expression differently from other forms of speech. The investigation comes after MLB warned three San Francisco Giants pitchers for writing Bible verses on their caps during a Pride Night event.
Investigation Details
The league said the players violated its uniform policy, which does not allow writing on equipment or apparel. However, Uthmeier argues that MLB has allowed other messages and symbols in the past, including social justice-related statements and patches. He says the investigation will look at whether the league has enforced its rules fairly and consistently.
As part of the probe, the attorney general’s office has issued a subpoena seeking records from MLB. The requested documents include the league’s uniform policies, past enforcement actions, decisions involving special-event promotions, and internal discussions related to the warnings given to the Giants pitchers.
The subpoena also seeks information involving the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, and other teams that participate in Florida’s Grapefruit League. MLB has been ordered to provide the records by July 23. According to the attorney general’s office, the investigation is being conducted under Florida laws that address civil rights and unfair business practices.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
