TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General James Uthmeier issued an investigative subpoena to Major League Baseball, launching a formal probe into whether the league selectively enforces its uniform rules to punish Christian expression while permitting secular and ideological messages on the field.
“Major League Baseball claims it does not tolerate discrimination based on religion, yet its actions tell a different story,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “If MLB applauds ideological messages it prefers while reprimanding expressions of Christian faith, that is not neutral rule enforcement-it is religious discrimination that cannot stand in Florida.”
The investigation centers on MLB’s recent warnings to three San Francisco Giants pitchers, including Landen Roupp, for etching Bible verses on their caps during a “Pride Night” game in June 2026. The verses referenced God’s covenant with humanity and the rainbow as its sign, from Genesis 9:12-16. MLB has claimed the action violated uniform regulations prohibiting any writing on apparel or equipment “regardless of the message” and that the warnings are “consistent with normal practice.”
Uthmeier’s office countered that characterization with a detailed history of MLB approving or overlooking similar modifications for favored causes, including Black Lives Matter sleeve patches, “United for Change” messaging, social justice statements on cleats, etchings on the pitcher’s mound, and other personal or ideological markings.
The subpoena, issued under the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, commands MLB to produce extensive records by July 23, 2026. The demands include the league’s complete enforcement history since 2020 showing every instance of discipline for markings versus every instance where markings were permitted without action, internal deliberations on the June 2026 warnings, policies on “Pride Night” themed apparel expectations, and any adverse actions against players who declined to participate. The subpoena also specifically targets records for players and personnel at the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, and fifteen Grapefruit League clubs across Florida.
“The Attorney General’s office will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect the religious liberty of players and employees working in Florida,” the office said in its announcement.
MLB has until July 23, 2026, to comply with the subpoena and produce the requested documents.