SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned anti-gay comments by San Francisco 49ers running back Garrison Hearst that appeared in a Fresno Bee story on
gays in sports. Hearst was quoted as saying he "didn't want any faggots on my team."

ADL Regional Director Jonathan Bernstein said that the homophobic comments "remind all of us that there are still many in society with bigoted viewpoints. This is especially troubling when it comes from someone who is so admired by youngsters." Bernstein continued, "Athletes who use their positions to advocate hatred and division undermine the true value of sports. Sports should serve as a common language that unites people from diverse backgrounds."

The ADL called on the 49er organization to speak out forcefully against the statements and implement sensitivity training for its players and staff.

* The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.