US footballer Jaelene Daniels misses game after refusing to wear Pride Night jersey
US footballer Jaelene Daniels refused to play in her team’s recent National Women’s Soccer League game over an LGBTQ+ inclusive jersey.
On 29 July, the North Carolina Courage played against the Washington Spirit as part of their Pride Night celebration. The event, which was in partnership with Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce and the LGBT Center of Raleigh, featured an array of entertainment, food and activities for fans to take part in.
Alongside the free event, Courage players also wore a rainbow Pride jersey in an effort to celebrate their LGBTQ+ fans and promote inclusivity.
However, before the team hit the pitch against the Washington Spirit, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina team announced that Daniels would not be participating. “Jaelene will not be rostered tonight as she has made the decision to not wear our Pride jersey,” they said in a statement, as reported by ESPN. “While we’re disappointed with her choice, we respect her right to make that decision for herself. “We’re excited to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with our fans, players and staff tonight and look forward to hosting our first ever Pride Festival before kickoff.” Daniels has yet to release her own statement regarding her absence.
