WISCONSIN: Church Cancels NFL Player's Speaking Gig Over Pro-Gay Tweet

A Wisconsin church has canceled a paid speaking engagement by former NFL player LeRoy Butler because he tweeted congratulations to Jason Collins.

Butler posted to his Twitter account “Congrats to Jason Collins” on Monday afternoon, after the story broke of the NBA player coming out in a Sports Illustrated cover story. Citing a morals clause, that was enough for a church Butler wouldn't name to pull his $8,500 speaking engagement -- an anti-bullying presentation -- scheduled for this summer. Donations collected during the event were earmarked for the church's youth. Butler said he refused to retract the statement and ask God for forgiveness as the church demanded if he wanted to keep the speaking appearance. “FYI, the fee was 8500$,then I was told if i removed the tweet and apologize and ask god forgiveness, I can have the event,” Butler said via Twitter (@leap36). “I said no.”