TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating Major League Baseball for alleged religious discrimination, accusing the league of selectively enforcing its uniform rules against Christian players.
Uthmeier said his office issued an investigative subpoena to MLB. The subpoena seeks records on how the league applies its uniform and equipment policies, particularly when players display religious messages compared with social or political messages.
The investigation stems from recent warnings MLB issued to three San Francisco Giants pitchers, including Landen Roupp, after they etched Bible verses on their caps during “Pride Night.” The verses referenced God’s covenant and the rainbow from Genesis 9:12-16, according to the attorney general’s office.
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MLB has said the warnings were based on uniform regulations that bar any writing on apparel or equipment “regardless of the message” and that the action was “consistent with normal practice,” the release states.
Uthmeier’s letter claims MLB has allowed or encouraged other markings tied to favored causes, including Black Lives Matter sleeve patches, “United for Change” messaging, social justice statements on cleats and etchings on the pitcher’s mound.
“Major League Baseball claims it does not tolerate discrimination based on religion, yet its actions tell a different story,” Uthmeier said in the release. “If MLB applauds ideological messages it prefers while reprimanding expressions of Christian faith, that is not neutral rule enforcement—it is religious discrimination that cannot stand in Florida.”
The subpoena, issued under the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, orders MLB to turn over documents by July 23, 2026.
Among the requested records are all uniform and equipment rules and guidance, the provisions cited in the June 2026 warnings, and a complete enforcement history since 2020 showing when players were warned or disciplined for markings and when similar markings were permitted without action.
Uthmeier is also seeking documents on any approvals or rule relaxations for “permitted expression,” such as Black Lives Matter patches, social justice messages and sponsor logos, and how those are distinguished from religious expression.
The subpoena asks for policies related to “Pride Night” or other themed apparel, any adverse actions against players who declined to participate and any consequences tied to religious expression.
The request extends to internal deliberations about the June warnings, complaints received and any analysis of MLB’s compliance with its own anti-discrimination code. It specifically calls for records involving players and staff with the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins and 15 Grapefruit League spring training clubs operating in Florida.
Uthmeier said his office “will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect the religious liberty of players and employees working in Florida.”
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