NEW ORLEANS — 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver apologized last night for anti-gay remarks he made during a Super Bowl media day interview a day earlier.
During an interview Tuesday at the Superdome, Culliver responded to questions from comedian Artie Lange by saying he wouldn’t welcome a gay player in the locker room.
The interview began with Lange asking Culliver about his sexual plans with women during Super Bowl week. Lange followed up with a question about whether Culliver would consider pursuing a gay man.
“I don’t do the gay guys, man. I don’t do that,” Culliver said during the 1-minute taped interview. “Ain’t got no gay people on the team. They gotta get up outta here if they do. Can’t be with that sweet stuff.”
Lange asked Culliver to reiterate his thoughts, to which the player said, “It’s true.” He added he wouldn’t welcome a gay teammate — no matter how talented.
“Nah. Can’t be … in the locker room, nah,” he said. “You’ve gotta come out 10 years later after that.”
After the 49ers issued a sternly worded rebuke, Culliver made his own mea culpa. His PR representative said Culliver plans to address his remarks during 49ers’ media availability this morning.
“The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel,” he said in a statement. “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.”
The 49ers said earlier they had addressed the comments, but didn’t elaborate on whether the second-year nickel back would face disciplinary action or a fine.
“The San Francisco 49ers reject the comments that were made yesterday, and have addressed the matter with Chris,” the team said. “There is no place for discrimination within our organization at any level. We have and always will proudly support the LGBT community.”
The 24-year-old Culliver, a third-round draft pick in 2011 out of South Carolina, made 47 tackles with two interceptions and a forced fumble this season while starting six games.