Rock musician and outspoken commentator Ted Nugent weighed in on a recent controversy involving the York Revolution baseball team. He shared his views in a segment aired on Newsmax.
The discussion centered on players from the York Revolution, a professional baseball team in Pennsylvania’s Atlantic League, who refused to wear pride-themed jerseys. Their decision led the team to forfeit a game. When asked about the players’ stance and the team management’s response — which described the incident as “deeply troubling” — Nugent was quick to express his support.
“I know these baseball players. These guys are athletes. These guys are rugged individuals. These are my hunting buddies. Kurt Gibson is my hunting buddy. We’ll talk about that in a minute,” Nugent said.
He went on to explain why he believes the players were right to refuse.
“But these people are down to earth and grounded, and they know that the rainbow flag represents evil, represents child molestation, represents drag queen story hour, perverting little boys and girls with parents that are too stupid to be good parents,” he continued.
Nugent concluded with a firm declaration of his position on the pride flag itself.
“So I support them 100%. The rainbow flag is not harmless, it’s harmful and we should all demand they’re getting rid of it. It’s really embarrassing,” he said.
The comments reflect Nugent’s broader stance on LGBTQ+ symbolism, as the York Revolution controversy continues to draw national attention.
The incident unfolded on Pride Night, when the York Revolution were scheduled to host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Multiple players refused to take the field wearing the team’s special Pride Night jerseys, which featured rainbow sleeve designs. Rather than proceed with a partial roster or force the issue, the club decided the team should not play. The game ended in a forfeit.
The York Revolution’s management did not stay silent on the matter. Team officials publicly described the players’ refusal as “deeply troubling.” That response drew its own share of criticism from those who felt the organization was too quick to condemn its own athletes. The public rebuke added another layer of tension to an already divisive situation.
The controversy quickly became a flashpoint in a broader national debate over conscience rights in professional sports. Many commentators argued that athletes should not be compelled to wear jerseys that carry ideological messaging. The dispute was framed as a matter of personal liberty rather than simple defiance. The players’ refusal was widely seen, in those circles, as a principled stand rather than an act of insubordination.
The York Revolution compete in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an independent minor league circuit. The incident drew coverage well beyond regional sports media. It reflected how deeply cultural flashpoints around LGBTQ+ themes have penetrated even lower-profile athletic competitions.
Nugent’s remarks added a high-profile voice to the side of the players. His comments reinforced a narrative that has gained traction among conservative commentators: that pride-themed promotions in sports have moved from celebration to compulsion, and that athletes who push back deserve support rather than condemnation.
