In a baffling and unexpected statement that has left sports fans scratching their heads and social media ablaze, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur — often referred to as the team’s “spiritual leader” due to his calm presence and locker room influence — has publicly declared a boycott of MLB Pride Night.
Yes, MLB Pride Night.
“Look, I respect everyone’s right to live how they want and celebrate what they want,” LaFleur said during a routine press availability following OTAs. “But I’ve got to draw a line somewhere. On the field — whether it’s Lambeau or a baseball diamond — the focus should be the game. Not distractions. Not WOKE messaging.”
When asked to clarify his involvement in a Major League Baseball initiative — a league he neither coaches in nor represents — LaFleur doubled down.
“I just think sports have become too political. I might coach football, but I’m a fan of all sports. And I’m tired of seeing baseball, football, even golf getting pulled into these ideological battles. Pride Night is just one example of how far it’s gone. We need to get back to the basics: blocking, tackling, home runs, touchdowns. Not hashtags.”
The comments, surreal in context, immediately exploded online. Critics were quick to point out the obvious — LaFleur is an NFL coach with no affiliation to MLB, nor any influence over MLB events. “This is like Aaron Judge boycotting the Super Bowl halftime show,” one sportswriter quipped on X (formerly Twitter).
Still, some conservative commentators hailed LaFleur as “a man of principle,” praising his willingness to speak out even in an arena where, quite literally, he has no stake.
Back in Green Bay, Packers executives have reportedly distanced themselves from the remarks, with one front office source saying, “Coach LaFleur is entitled to his opinion, but it does not reflect any official stance of the Green Bay Packers organization. Also, we… don’t play baseball.”
Players have largely remained silent, although a few current and former Packers shared cryptic emojis on Instagram — a blend of facepalms, popcorn, and question marks.
Meanwhile, an MLB spokesperson responded with a touch of confusion: “We are aware of Coach LaFleur’s comments. While we appreciate his enthusiasm for baseball, MLB Pride Night is designed to promote inclusivity and is not affiliated with the National Football League or its personnel.”
Whether this was an intentional statement, a misunderstanding, or just an odd detour on LaFleur’s offseason media tour, one thing is clear: his comments have thrust him into a culture war that, quite frankly, no one expected him to join.
As one fan commented online, “I was worried about our wide receiver depth. Now I’m worried our coach thinks he’s managing the Milwaukee Brewers.”
