Controversial former Major League Baseball pitcher John Rocker has publicly criticized the MLB’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity efforts during Pride Month, claiming fans are being “lectured” rather than entertained.

Each June, MLB teams take part in Pride Month activities aimed at promoting inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, this year’s initiatives have drawn mixed reactions from fans and former players.

The New York Mets recently faced backlash after displaying the rainbow Pride flag on the stadium’s big screen during the national anthem, replacing the usual American flag display.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers required players to wear Pride-themed caps during a Saturday game. One player appeared to subtly object by inscribing a religious message on his cap, referencing the rainbow’s biblical origins. Earlier in the week, the Boston Red Sox also received criticism for hosting a pre-game drag performance.

Amid the controversy, Rocker voiced his opposition on social media platform X, writing, “MLB needs to stop the gay stuff. Baseball fans want a show, not a lecture.”

Rocker, who gained notoriety in 1999 for making racially and homophobically charged comments during an interview with Sports Illustrated, has received both support and condemnation online for his latest remarks. While some users echoed his sentiment, others accused him of promoting intolerance.

MLB has yet to issue a formal response to the comments.