Theo Epstein was on The Spiegel and Parkins Show Wednesday afternoon and the Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations was asked about the lack of political and social activism in MLB compared to some high-profiled coaches and star players speaking out in the NBA. Epstein didn’t shy away from the question and said he welcomes more of it from baseball players, especially on the issue of gun laws.
Just a few weeks ago, Anthony Rizzo flew from spring training to Parkland, Fla., where 17 people were killed at his alma mater Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Rizzo’s freshman football coach and a relative of Rizzo’s agent were two of the 17 killed. Rizzo made a call for change and did so again when speaking at a vigil in Parkland.
Rizzo returned to Mesa, Ariz., and said he didn’t want to be political, but was supporting the kids from the high school after the tragic event. Most of the high schoolers who survived the mass shooting have united, calling for stricter gun laws.
Epsetin believes a change is coming in MLB, as he sees the next generation of players becoming more outspoken on social issues. As far as the gun laws, Epstein addressed the disconnect between the public’s concern and the actions of our government.
#Cubs Theo Epstein talks about MLB players and political/social activism and regarding gun laws:
"It comes down to money, influence and lobbying and that's not what this democracy is founded on." pic.twitter.com/Bk6anbfmUz— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) February 28, 2018
You can listen to the entire Theo Epstein interview here.
