BREAKING: Tommy Edman Refuses to Celebrate Pride Month, Sparking Controversy With Anti-‘Woke’ Remarks

In a move already igniting fierce debate across the sports world, Tommy Edman, the St. Louis Cardinals’ versatile infielder and former Gold Glove winner, announced he will not participate in any Pride Month celebrations this June, citing what he calls the “overreach of woke culture.”

Speaking to reporters during a pregame media session on June 1st, Edman was asked whether he planned to join his teammates in wearing the team’s Pride-themed warmup shirts and participating in LGBTQ+ community outreach events scheduled throughout the month. His response was swift—and polarizing.

“WOKE doesn’t deserve to be celebrated,” Edman said. “People should be respected, yes, but I don’t support movements that force ideology on everyone. It feels less about pride and more about politics.”

The 29-year-old, known for his quiet demeanor and disciplined approach to the game, seemed visibly uncomfortable addressing the subject but did not back down from his position. He added a quote he attributed to a personal mentor:

“When virtue is forced, it becomes tyranny. That’s not unity—it’s coercion.”

Immediate Backlash and Growing Divide

The remarks quickly spread across social media, trending within an hour under hashtags like #TommyEdman, #PrideMonth, and #WokeBaseball. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, fans, fellow athletes, and media figures began weighing in on what many see as a deeply divisive—and potentially damaging—stance.

OutSports, a leading LGBTQ+ sports news platform, released a statement saying:

“Tommy Edman’s comments do not reflect the spirit of inclusion and unity that Major League Baseball and its players have worked hard to foster. Pride Month is not about ideology—it’s about dignity and representation for people who have long been excluded from the very communities they support.”

Edman’s own team, the St. Louis Cardinals, quickly attempted to soften the fallout with a carefully worded press release:

“While we support the rights of all players to express their beliefs, the St. Louis Cardinals remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and to our LGBTQ+ fans and community. Our Pride Night event on June 15th will continue as scheduled.”

Supporters Say It’s “Free Speech”; Critics Call It “Thinly Veiled Bigotry”

The debate over Edman’s remarks reflects a larger cultural tug-of-war playing out across sports and society. Supporters online have praised the player for “speaking truth” and “standing against woke pressure,” while critics have accused him of hiding behind vague ideological language to justify exclusion.

One fan posted, “Tommy Edman just said what a lot of players are thinking but are too afraid to admit. Good on him.”
But another responded, “Freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequences. What about the LGBTQ+ kids who look up to him and just got told they don’t deserve pride?”

Within the MLB, a handful of players have spoken out either directly or indirectly. Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ tweeted:

“Supporting others isn’t political. It’s just being human.”
While Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia posted a rainbow heart emoji, followed simply by: “Pride still matters.”

Clubhouse Reactions: Silent or Simmering?

Sources inside the Cardinals’ clubhouse describe the mood as “tense but contained.” Most players have declined to speak on the matter publicly, but one anonymous teammate reportedly told a local reporter:

“Tommy’s a good guy, but this one’s going to follow him for a while.”

The team’s manager, Oli Marmol, briefly addressed the issue, saying:

“Our focus is on baseball, but we also recognize the impact our words and actions have on the communities who support us. That’s all I’ll say on it.”

Career Impact and Future Fallout

This isn’t the first time an athlete has stirred controversy over Pride Month participation, but Tommy Edman’s high-profile stance and the bluntness of his words make this moment particularly combustible. Sponsors may take note. Fan support may shift. And Edman himself may find that silence—once his brand—will no longer shield him from the storm.

The Cardinals are scheduled to host their annual Pride Night on June 15, and eyes will be fixed on whether Edman plays that day, whether he participates in pre-game ceremonies, and how fans respond.

Final Thoughts: A Line Drawn in the Sand

Tommy Edman’s declaration, “WOKE doesn’t deserve to be celebrated,” may well become a flashpoint in baseball’s evolving relationship with identity, politics, and cultural values. Whether viewed as a stand for personal conviction or a step backward for inclusion, the moment is yet another reminder that professional sports are no longer insulated from the debates shaping society at large.

As June unfolds, one thing is clear: Pride Month in MLB will not pass quietly.