Chris Culliver Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks, Claims He Was 'Just Kidding Around' With Artie Lange

Chris Culliver Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks, Claims He Was ‘Just Kidding Around’ With Artie Lange

by Associated Press on Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 12:41PM

NEW ORLEANS — San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver has apologized for anti-gay comments he made to a comedian during Super Bowl media day.

Culliver said Thursday that’s “not what’s in my heart” and he was “just kidding around.”

He also apologized to the city of San Francisco and added he would welcome a gay teammate to the 49ers, a reversal of his remarks to comedian Artie Lange two days ago. San Francisco and the Bay Area are home to a large gay community.

During an interview Tuesday at the Superdome, Culliver responded to questions from Lange by saying he wouldn’t welcome a gay player in the locker room. He said the 49ers didn’t have any gay players, and if they did those players should leave.

Culliver’s apology reiterated his statement of regret released by the team Wednesday night.