Cards’ Franklin Upset With MLB’s Ban On Guns

Jupiter, FL, United States (AHN) – St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin, who grew up hunting and fishing in his home state of Arkansas, expressed his disappointment Saturday on Major League Baseball’s recent edict banning guns from the clubhouse.

The league directive, distributed by clubs to players earlier this week, prohibits certain weapons, including all firearms, from the clubhouse.

The ban on bringing guns to stadium locker rooms is viewed by many as an apparent response to recent gun-related incidents in other sports.

Among the notable incidents include the conviction of former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress for carrying a loaded gun into a nightclub. Washington Wizards teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton recently incurred indefinite suspensions for brandishing their guns in the locker room during a gambling dispute

Franklin, who has become an integral part of the Cardinals as the team’s closer, is among the large number of avid outdoorsmen on the St. Louis roster.

A large percentage of baseball players have reportedly been engaging in bow hunting for quite some time.

Among those who have embraced the hobby are first baseman Albert Pujols and Jason Isringhausen, who set up a target at the stadium.

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