Saints quarterback Drew Brees said Thursday he didn't know a video he appeared in promoting the Bible was produced by a group that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
Brees appeared in a video promoting “National Bring Your Bible To School Day." Brees says in part, “I want to encourage you to live out your faith. Share God’s love with friends.”
The video was produced and promoted by Focus on The Family, which has been criticized for being anti-LGBTQ, lobbying for “religious freedom” laws that would support businesses’ rights to discriminate based on sexuality and gender identity.
Brees' appearance in the video sparked controversy, with some criticizing him, and others defending him. Brees posted a video on Instagram complaining about the "negativity" that spread, but also stating that he doesn't hold anti-LGBTQ views himself.
Brees clarified his stance for reporters, explaining he did not realize Focus on The Family holds anti-LGBTQ views.
"I was not aware of any of the things they said about them lobbying for anti-gay, any type of messaging, or inequality, or any type of hate-related stuff. I was not aware of that at all," Brees said. "The video itself was just focused on 'National Bring Your Bible To School Day.' It was not promoting any group, certainly not promoting any group that is associated with that type of behavior.
"Because I know that there are unfortunately Christian organizations out there that are involved in that kind of thing. To me, that is totally against what being a Christian is all about. Being a Christian is love, it's forgiveness, it's respecting all, accepting all. … What's a shame is people will make headlines just to get hits, just to get views, all of a sudden these rumors spread that are completely untrue."
Drew Brees addresses his “National Bring Your Bible To School Day” video that appeared on Focus on The Family platforms.
— Amie Just (@Amie_Just) September 5, 2019
He said he was not aware of the group’s anti-LGBT views. He says hate goes against everything being a Christian is all about. pic.twitter.com/Jjhexqljo0
Brees has a track record of support for LGBTQ issues, including an appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' show to speak out against bullying of LGBTQ youth.
Here's Brees' explanation of the situation on Instagram.
As far as distractions go, this is nowhere near the circus-like atmosphere the Antonio Brown saga has brought to Oakland. Yet it's a distraction nonetheless, something the Saints don't need heading into their regular season opener at home against the Texans on Monday.