Curt Schilling fired from ESPN after Facebook post about transgender 'bathroom bills'

In this Aug. 3, 2012, file photo, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling looks on after being introduced as a new member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame before a baseball game between the Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park in Boston. Schilling is defending himself after making comments on social media about transgender people, saying he was expressing his opinion.

Credit: Winslow Townson

Credit: Winslow Townson

In this Aug. 3, 2012, file photo, former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling looks on after being introduced as a new member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame before a baseball game between the Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park in Boston. Schilling is defending himself after making comments on social media about transgender people, saying he was expressing his opinion.


The decision was made after the former Red Sox pitcher made controversial Facebook comments about transgender bathrooms earlier this week.

"ESPN is an inclusive company. Curt Schilling has been advised that his conduct was unacceptable and his employment with ESPN has been terminated," the company said in a statement.

Schilling's Facebook post, which was later deleted, said, “A man is a man no matter what they call themselves."

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"Now you need laws telling us differently? Pathetic," Schilling wrote.

The comment was posted along with a meme showing a man in a blonde wig and women's attire. The image read, “Let him in! To the restroom with your daughter or else you’re a narrow minded, judgmental, unloving, racist bigot who needs to die!!!”

Transgender bathrooms have been a controversial topic after North Carolina created a law forcing individuals to use bathrooms that correspond with their gender at birth.

In response to the law, known as the bathroom bill or HB2, entertainers including Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam have canceled shows in the state.

On Tuesday evening, Schilling posted a response on his personal blog that started with, "Let's make one thing clear right up front. If you get offended by ANYTHING in this post, that's your fault, all yours."

Schilling also said his words were “a comment about the basic functionality of men's and women's restrooms, period.”

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