Former Alabama wide receiver Christion Jones was released by Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League after a homophobic tweet from the recipient on Global Pride Day. Jones has been playing in the CFL since 2017 after an unsuccessful NFL stint.
In the tweet from Jones, which has since been deleted, the Crimson Tide alumnus wrote: “I think it’s so real … a man doesn’t assume to be with a man. A woman should not be with another woman. THIS IS ME! Live life with security. “
On Sunday afternoon, the Eskimos announced on Twitter that they would release Jones after his tweet’s backlash.
“We stand by the LGBTQ2 + community and strongly condemn that of Christion Jones“It said in the statement.” There is no place for such comments in our team. Jones was released from the squad. “
Jones was a 247Sports Composite three-star recruit from Adamsville, Alabama, and was the No. 29 cornerback recruit in the 2011 class. After switching to Wide Receiver during his second season in Alabama, Jones caught 85 passes for 1,030 yards with seven touchdowns in the next three seasons.
After being drafted in the NFL Draft in 2015, Jones signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. By 2017, Jones had signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL and was soon sold to the Edmonton Eskimos.
During three CFL seasons, Jones played mainly as a kick returner and posted eight receptions for 49 yards. He also returned 91 kickoffs for a 22.5-yard average and 155 points for a 12.0-yard average with three touchdowns.
The CFL also made a statement after Jones’ release.
“We at the CFL are holding up the” Diversity Is Strength “banner,” the statement said. “Our league does not claim to be perfect, but strives to be inclusive, to accept and actually celebrate our differences, and to respect and respect human rights. There is no place in our league for comments that belittle people based on their religion, race, gender or sexual orientation. In the further course of Pride Month, we will support the LGBTQ + community. We all have to say no to hate and yes to love. “
Before his release, Jones tweeted an apology.
“By Janis Irwin. “This is an opportunity for growth.” She is absolutely right. My words were deeply hurtful, painful, and served no purpose. I added to the struggle of a community to live a life without oppression. I sincerely apologize. I was wrong.”
