Earlier this week, Major League Baseball player Torii Hunter released a radio spot, endorsing a politician from his native Arkansas. The politician is Asa Hutchinson (R), who is running for governor.

In the spot, Hunter specifically appeals to Black voters, saying that in Hutchinson’s time as a lawyer, he “fought for more majority African-American districts in the state legislature.” He continues, saying Hutchinson is “committed to the principles we hold dear, like a strong faith in God, equal justice for all, and keeping marriage between one man and one woman.“

As if the above contradiction weren’t blatant enough, Hunter also invokes Martin Luther King in the spot, quoting him in saying “men should be judged by the content of their character.” This is given as a reason for Black voters to not dismiss Hutchinson: Said Hunter: “we too often prejudge political candidates by their party label. I’m asking you to consider Asa for his actions.”

This isn’t the first time Torii Hunter has let his beliefs on gay issues be known; in 2012, he said the thought of playing with a gay athlete made him “uncomfortable,” “as a Christian.” 

AFTER THE JUMP is full text of the speech, and the audio embedded:

This is Pine Bluff native and Major League Baseball Player Torii Hunter. I’m asking you to vote for my friend Asa Hutchinson for Governor. Dr. King said that men should be judged by the content of their character. Today we too often prejudge political candidates by their party label. I’m asking you to consider Asa for his actions. As a lawyer, Asa fought for more majority African-American districts in the state legislature. Asa is committed to the principles we hold dear, like a strong faith in God, equal justice for all, and keeping marriage between one man and one woman. Asa wants all children to have access to computer science, to expand charter schools, and bring more jobs and small businesses into our communities. Asa won’t take your vote for granted. Let’s make real change in our community by casting party labels aside and voting our convictions.

 

[h/t Deadspin]