Former NFL player, Southern Methodist University standout and Senate hopeful Craig James has filed suit against Fox Sports in Dallas alleging racial discrimination nearly two years after the network fired him, according to Breitbart Sports.
James, a former broadcaster who made a run at the U.S. Senate in 2012, was hired by Fox Sports Southwest and then relieved of his duties just two days later after this comment he made during a political debate involving Ted Cruz came to light; "right now in this country, our moral fiber is sliding down a slope that is going to be hard to stop if we don't stand up with leaders who don't go ride in gay parades. I can assure you I will never ride in a gay parade."
Fox Sports Southwest Senior Vice President of Communications Lou D'Ermilio spoke out against James' comments when announcing the network's decision to part ways with him.
"We just asked ourselves how Craig's statements would play in our human resources department. He couldn't say those things here."
James' suit, filed Monday, claims that he was wrongfully terminated "because of his religious beliefs about marriage and his expression of those beliefs."
He went on to say in his lawsuit that his views as a political figure should in no way influence his standing as a sports broadcaster.
"This is very troubling as an employee when your boss holds against you something you said about your belief system nearly 18 months before you were recruited and hired," James said. "I said nothing about my belief system on the air at Fox Sports. So, the fact that they reached back in my past nearly eighteen months and responded to a comment about my biblical belief in natural marriage as a candidate - that's troubling."
James, who played five seasons in the NFL as a member of the New England Patriots, also says in his lawsuit that he loves all people, despite his statement.
"Craig James is a man of faith and integrity, which calls him foremost to show love and kindness to all those around him, regardless of whether they share his beliefs. According to his faith, all people possess intrinsic value, and all people deserve love and respect-including the freedom not to be judged, penalized, or punished for their beliefs. James has personal friends, family members, and professional colleagues on both sides of marriage and family issues, some of whom are themselves gay, lesbian, and transgender. James respects others, including those who disagree with him, as he has throughout his career, and merely hopes for the same respect in turn."
