Chicago, IL — The Chicago Cubs have found themselves at the center of controversy this June after declining to post a Pride Month message on their official social media platforms. In response, Major League Baseball issued a formal reprimand, calling the move “inconsistent with the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

But Cubs manager Craig Counsell, known for his calm demeanor and sharp leadership, broke his silence Friday afternoon, delivering a bold and concise five-word statement that has since gone viral:

“We stand by our choice.”

The remark, delivered during a tense pregame press conference at Wrigley Field, has stirred passionate debate throughout the baseball world and beyond.

The Backstory

As part of its broader initiative for inclusivity, MLB directed all teams to acknowledge the start of Pride Month with official messages of support on June 1. Most teams, including the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox, participated as expected—sharing graphics, statements, and stories that highlighted LGBTQ+ voices within their communities and organizations.

The Chicago Cubs, however, were noticeably silent. There was no post, no rainbow logo, and no official acknowledgment from the team or its affiliates.

After several days of fan questions and mounting public pressure, MLB released a statement expressing “disappointment” in the Cubs’ lack of participation, followed by a formal warning and the threat of financial penalties for violating league unity policies.

Counsell Speaks

With reporters pressing for answers, Craig Counsell finally addressed the controversy ahead of the Cubs’ Friday night matchup at home.

“We stand by our choice,” he said firmly. “This was a decision made with thought and respect for everyone involved.”

Counsell declined to elaborate further, refusing to be drawn into a deeper political or cultural discussion. When asked whether the front office, ownership, or players were involved in the decision, he replied:

“As a team, we talk about a lot of things internally. This is one of them.”

Reactions Pour In

Unsurprisingly, Counsell’s five-word statement triggered immediate reactions across the sports world, with some praising his leadership and others accusing the team of falling short in a moment that called for solidarity.

Supporters of the Cubs’ decision argue that freedom of expression includes the right not to participate in performative messaging. “Craig Counsell is standing for principle,” one fan tweeted. “The team should focus on baseball, not politics.”

Critics, on the other hand, have labeled the decision as tone-deaf and alienating, particularly for LGBTQ+ fans who look to sports organizations as sources of representation and community.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about people,” said one activist from OutSports Chicago. “When a team chooses silence, they’re sending a message. And it’s not one of inclusion.”

Players Stay Silent, for Now

So far, no Cubs players have commented publicly on the issue. Some reporters noted a tense atmosphere in the locker room after the MLB’s reprimand was issued. Sources close to the team say opinions are divided, but there is a clear desire to avoid turning the clubhouse into a political battleground.

One anonymous veteran player reportedly told a Chicago columnist: “We all have personal beliefs, but we also know this is a public institution. There are no easy answers here.”

MLB’s Next Move

MLB has not yet announced what, if any, additional penalties will be enforced against the Cubs. A league official told reporters that the focus is on “restoring consistency” among all 30 franchises during league-wide initiatives.

“There’s room for different voices,” the official said. “But we also have league standards. When teams choose not to engage, it raises questions about their commitment to the values we promote.”

What Comes Next?

The Cubs have made no indication they plan to reverse their decision or issue any new statement. If anything, Craig Counsell’s succinct message seems to confirm that the organization is doubling down on its right to self-determination.

As June progresses, fans and commentators will watch closely to see if the Cubs alter their public stance—or if more consequences follow.

One thing is certain: in five simple words, Craig Counsell turned up the volume on one of sports’ most contentious cultural discussions.