🚨 BREAKING:
NFL Rookie Ricky Pearsall Sparks Outrage After Refusing to Acknowledge Pride Month — Claims “WOKE” Culture Doesn’t Deserve Celebration
Just weeks after being drafted into the NFL, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has ignited a firestorm of controversy — not for his performance on the field, but for his blunt and polarizing remarks about Pride Month.
In a now-viral interview with a local Florida radio show, Pearsall was asked whether he would be participating in his team’s Pride Month initiatives. His answer stunned both fans and media:
“I’m not into all that WOKE stuff. June isn’t about pride — it’s about football and focus. I’m not celebrating anything that pushes an agenda I don’t agree with.”
The host reportedly paused in shock before asking for clarification, to which Pearsall doubled down:
“Everyone wants to be celebrated for everything nowadays. But I believe in tradition — not trend.”
Within hours, clips of the interview spread across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, with hashtags like #CutPearsall, #PrideOverHate, and #WokeGate exploding into trending territory.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including GLAAD and Athlete Ally, quickly condemned the statements:
“Refusing to acknowledge Pride Month isn’t just a ‘personal choice’ — it’s a denial of visibility and equality for millions. The NFL must take this seriously.”
Meanwhile, NFL fans are deeply divided. While many blasted the rookie for promoting exclusion and ignorance, a vocal segment of supporters — including several conservative influencers — hailed him as a “truth-teller” and “brave enough to stand against cancel culture.”
One viral reply read:
“He’s the first athlete in a long time to say what others are thinking. Good for him.”
Another countered:
“You just started your career and this is your legacy already? Pride Month isn’t a trend — it’s survival.”
As pressure mounted, Pearsall released a short statement via his agent:
“I respect everyone’s right to live as they choose, but I also believe in my right to stand by my personal values. I’m not attacking anyone — I’m just staying true to myself.”
The response has done little to calm the storm.
Sponsors and team officials have reportedly begun internal discussions about whether the rookie’s comments violate the NFL’s Code of Conduct regarding inclusion and respect. Several teammates have also posted cryptic messages about “unity,” “respect,” and “team values,” with some fans interpreting those as subtle disapproval of Pearsall’s stance.
No formal disciplinary action has been announced by the team or the NFL as of yet — but insiders say “nothing is off the table” if public pressure continues to mount.
For now, the controversy shows no signs of slowing down. With Pride Month just getting started, all eyes are on the NFL and its newest — and most divisive — face.
