Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a civil rights investigation into Major League Baseball (MLB) following a warning issued to three San Francisco Giants players regarding Bible verses on their Pride Night caps. The investigation, initiated on June 19, 2026, involves a subpoena to determine if MLB is violating the civil rights of players based on their religious beliefs. The subpoena outlines concerns about potential violations of civil rights and deceptive trade practices related to MLB's employment policies.
In a letter to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, Uthmeier expressed concern that MLB's enforcement of uniform rules may favor secular beliefs over religious ones, which could violate Florida's civil rights laws. Uthmeier highlighted instances where MLB permitted players to express social justice messages, suggesting a double standard in the league's policies.
The subpoena requires MLB to provide relevant documents by July 23, 2026. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is also involved, having requested confirmation from Manfred that players who choose not to wear Pride Month paraphernalia will not face disciplinary action. Both states have jurisdiction over MLB teams, with Florida hosting the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, and Missouri home to the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals.