The Canadian Football League and the Edmonton Eskimos are aware of Christion Jones’ homophobic tweets.
The veteran CFL return specialist expressed his thoughts on Global Pride Day, which was Saturday, June 27.
After Jones went public with his feelings, the replies came fast and furious from fans across Canada. Jones defended his beliefs, but many people tagged Edmonton’s team Twitter handle calling for action to be taken. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports the tweets are being looked into by both the Eskimos and the CFL.
The Esks signed Jones to a contract extension in January. The 27-year-old played in 10 games for the Eskimos last season, recording 825 kick return yards on 40 attempts and 421 yards on 44 punt returns. During three seasons as a Saskatchewan Roughrider, Jones returned 111 punts for 1,441 yards and three touchdowns and 51 kickoffs for 1,225 yards.
The league stated at the start of pride month in June: The CFL recognizes the important contributions the LGBTQIA+ community has made and continues to make to strengthen Canadian society. We also recognize the work still ahead to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
There is precedent for discipline in the CFL for inappropriate social media posts: Arland Bruce and Bryant Turner were both fined due to comments made about openly gay athlete Michael Sam.
Jones has deleted the initial tweet (pictured above) from his timeline and issued an apology with the help of New Democratic Party member of parliament for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, Janis Irwin.
“From Janis Irwin. “This is an opportunity for growth.” She is absolutely right. My words were deeply hurtful, painful and served zero purpose,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “I added to the struggle of a community, to live a life free of oppression of any kind. I sincerely apologize. I was wrong.”
“I spoke with media today about pro Edmonton football player Christion Jones’ homophobic tweets,” Irwin wrote on Twitter. “I am hopeful Mr. Jones will apologize and that he’s willing to learn and grow. I’m here to help him along that journey if he wishes.”
