Four San Francisco Giants pitchers chose Pride Night, specifically, deliberately, on that night, to make a statement targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

Three of them wrote Bible verses on their rainbow Pride Night hats referencing passages that have been used to "reclaim" the rainbow's symbolism away from the LGBTQ+ community. A fourth refused to wear the hat at all. This was not a spontaneous decision. Players met in the days leading up to Friday's game and made what one described as a "collective decision." They knew exactly what they were doing and exactly what night they were doing it on.

The Giants issued a statement. They said baseball should be "a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued." They said they were sorry for the pain caused. They said their commitment to inclusion had not changed.

But they have not disciplined the players. They declined to make anyone available for interview. And when asked directly about what the organization knew in advance, they went silent.

San Francisco is not just any city. It is the city that built Pride. The Giants are not just any team. They are a San Francisco institution supported by one of the most passionate and loyal LGBTQ+ fan bases in professional sports. Fans are already talking about giving up season tickets. A protest is being organized for the next home game.

A statement is not accountability. The Giants must do better.

Sign this petition to demand the San Francisco Giants take meaningful action — not just issue apologies — in response to their players' deliberate Pride Night protest.

Photo: ABC7 / (Scott Marshall/Associated Press)