(CBS News) James Brown, host of "The NFL Today" on CBS Sports, speaking of controversy surrounding the 49ers' Chris Culliver's comments construed by some as anti-gay, said they won't have an impact on the big game this weekend.
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The comments came during an interview Tuesday at the Superdome. Culliver responded to questions from comedian Artie Lange by saying he wouldn't welcome a gay player in the locker room. He also said the 49ers didn't have any homosexual players and, if they did, those players should leave. He later apologized in a statement released by the team saying, "The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel. It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience."
Brown said, "In the context of media looking for things (to report), insensitive, for sure. That you don't tolerate, nor should you. But ... it will not have any adverse impact on the team at all. He has come back and apologized."
In addition to Culliver, Brown also discussed the controversies surrounding Dan Marino, Alexander Rodriguez and Ray Lewis. Watch his full analysis from "CBS This Morning" in the video above.
Chris Culliver anti-gay comments: Will team be affected in Super Bowl?
/ CBS News
(CBS News) James Brown, host of "The NFL Today" on CBS Sports, speaking of controversy surrounding the 49ers' Chris Culliver's comments construed by some as anti-gay, said they won't have an impact on the big game this weekend.
Super Bowl XLVII Complete Coverage
The road to Super Bowl XLVII on CBSSports.com
The comments came during an interview Tuesday at the Superdome. Culliver responded to questions from comedian Artie Lange by saying he wouldn't welcome a gay player in the locker room. He also said the 49ers didn't have any homosexual players and, if they did, those players should leave. He later apologized in a statement released by the team saying, "The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel. It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience."
Brown said, "In the context of media looking for things (to report), insensitive, for sure. That you don't tolerate, nor should you. But ... it will not have any adverse impact on the team at all. He has come back and apologized."
In addition to Culliver, Brown also discussed the controversies surrounding Dan Marino, Alexander Rodriguez and Ray Lewis. Watch his full analysis from "CBS This Morning" in the video above.
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