Bob McNair Changes Mind, Wants Refund Of His Donation To Group Opposing Anti-Discrimination Law

Texans owner Bob McNair donated $10,000 to Campaign for Houston, a PAC that opposes an ordinance that intends to protect Houstonians from discrimination. (The opposition has mostly been from those opposed to giving protections to gay and transgender residents.) After receiving backlash for backing the group, McNair is now retracting his support and asking for a refund.

In a statement, McNair said Campaign for Houston twisted his words in its promotional materials. He says he doesn’t believe in the PAC’s message, and wants his money back. Via the Houston Chronicle:

I recently made a personal contribution to Campaign for Houston because my thorough review of the HERO ordinance led me to believe that a thoughtful rewrite would provide a better ordinance that would provide strong non-discrimination protections for all Houstonians, which I would support, and would be less divisive of our city.

It was on these principles that I made my personal contribution to Campaign for Houston. To my great dismay, Campaign for Houston made numerous unauthorized statements about my opposition to HERO in print, broadcast and social media – including attributing certain statements of belief to me. Their actions and statements were never discussed with nor approved by me. Therefore I instructed the Campaign to return my contribution.

I do not believe in or tolerate personal or professional discrimination of any kind. I also believe that we Houstonians should have an ordinance that unites our community and provides a bold statement of non-discrimination. I encourage all Houstonians to vote on November 3.

Lance Berkman’s Campaign for Houston commercial, however, still exists.

Photo: Getty Images

Contact the author at samer@deadspin.com.