In a move that is already sending shockwaves through the NFL and wider sports world, Zack Baun, linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, has come under fire after announcing that he will not recognize or celebrate Pride Month this June. Speaking in a brief but blunt statement on social media Monday afternoon, Baun cited his opposition to what he calls “woke culture,” claiming it does not deserve to be celebrated.

“I won’t be participating in any Pride Month acknowledgments this year,” Baun wrote. “Woke doesn’t equal truth. Just because something is popular doesn’t make it right. I stand by my values, not trends.”

The post, shared to his verified Instagram account, included no further elaboration but immediately drew widespread attention. It was shared by conservative influencers, blasted by progressive groups, and sparked heated debates across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit.

NFL, Saints Yet to Respond

As of this writing, neither the New Orleans Saints nor the NFL has issued an official response to Baun’s remarks. However, the league has increasingly leaned into inclusive messaging in recent years. The NFL has publicly celebrated Pride Month, partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations, and released advertising campaigns emphasizing “Football is for everyone.”

A league source, speaking anonymously, said Baun’s post “is being reviewed internally.”

“The NFL supports inclusion across race, gender, and sexual orientation,” the source said. “We take statements from players seriously and are discussing next steps.”

Backlash Mounts

Baun’s comments drew immediate condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups. The Human Rights Campaign issued a short statement late Monday night, calling his remarks “harmful, misguided, and emblematic of the discrimination that still exists in professional sports.”

“When athletes speak from a place of exclusion, it ripples out far beyond the locker room,” the statement read. “This isn’t about political correctness — it’s about human decency.”

Fans also expressed disappointment and outrage.

“I’ve been a Saints fan for 15 years,” wrote one user on X. “I’ve never been more embarrassed than I am today. Zack Baun doesn’t represent the spirit of this city.”

Within hours, the hashtag #DropBaun began trending, with calls for the Saints to denounce the player’s statement or even consider suspending him.

Support from Conservative Circles

Despite the backlash, Baun’s comments were quickly picked up and praised by conservative media figures. Several right-wing commentators labeled him a “hero” for standing against what they described as “forced ideological conformity.”

“Zack Baun just said what millions are thinking,” tweeted one conservative podcaster. “Not everyone wants rainbow flags shoved in their face every June.”

The narrative that Pride Month has become “corporate and performative” has gained traction in some circles in recent years, and Baun’s stance is being hailed by that audience as a “courageous stand.”

Sponsorship Fallout?

While Baun is not among the NFL’s most high-profile players, he does maintain several endorsement partnerships, including regional fitness brands and apparel companies. Whether those sponsors will continue their association with him remains to be seen.

“Any brand that aligns itself with an athlete today is also aligning with their public values,” said marketing strategist Alicia Raymond. “Even one post like this can spark a full-blown crisis if it contradicts the brand’s public stance.”

Some analysts suggest that, because Baun is not a marquee name, companies may find it easier to quietly part ways without major public announcements.

A Larger Cultural Flashpoint

Baun’s stance comes amid a wider cultural battle in American sports, where issues of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ inclusion have become deeply politicized. The NFL in particular has struggled to navigate the tension between its historically conservative fan base and its increasing push toward diversity and social awareness.

This latest controversy raises once again the question: Can professional athletes separate personal beliefs from the inclusive values promoted by their leagues?

Whether Baun faces disciplinary action or sponsor loss remains to be seen. For now, he stands firmly behind his words.

“I’m not against anyone,” Baun added in a follow-up post. “But I won’t pretend to support something that doesn’t align with what I believe in. That’s not hate — that’s honesty.”