“Your comments hurt”: Edmonton Eskimo Christion Jones sends an anti-gay tweet

A tweet sent out by Edmonton Eskimos’ kick-back Christion Jones on Saturday evening with anti-gay and lesbian feelings has led to some setbacks and a targeted response from MLA Janis Irwin.

In his tweet, Jones said: “You shouldn’t be with a man. A woman should not be with another woman. “

Janis Irwin, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, who is also a gay rights activist, replied to him late Saturday evening.

“I am so proud to represent this community, but you need to know that we are nice and warm. We challenge racism. We challenge homophobia.

“Your comments hurt.”

Jones’ comments also come during Alberta’s Pride Month.

Global News spoke to Irwin on Sunday morning, who said she was shocked to see the news that Jones was sending.

“The reality is if you are a young person – maybe a young soccer fan struggling with your sexuality – and seeing something like that can be very harmful,” said Irwin.

“He sends the message that it is wrong to be gay and strange. It is now Pride Month. This is a time when we should talk about how it’s okay to love whoever you love.

“Edmonton is a friendly, loving city. That kind of belief just doesn’t work here. “

By Sunday morning, Jones hadn’t cleared his tweet and defended it in a number of follow-up tweets, including one that responded directly to Irwin.

“I have given my opinion to everyone. You want me to be fired? I thought being diverse gave me the opportunity to feel how I feel and express myself, ”he said in another tweet.

“Won’t change how I feel soon,” said Jones.

Irwin said she hopes Jones uses this as an opportunity to grow.

“Many people request that he be fired immediately,” said Irwin. “I’m not sure if it has to be that way. I would rather use this as a learning opportunity. I am open to meet and speak to him. “

Jones was signed to the Eskimos in early January after being sold to the Eskimos by Saskatchewan Roughriders for Kenny Stafford in August last year.

He is an American player originally from Adamsville, Alabama.

Global News has asked Edmonton Eskimos for a comment.