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Torii Hunter posts controversial tweet supporting Floyd Mayweather

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has been known to share his opinion on a wide range of topics over the years — controversial, sensitive or otherwise — with little consideration for those who might be offended and hurt by their meaning.

Most notably, Hunter was quoted in late 2012 stating that it would be "difficult and uncomfortable" accepting a gay teammate into the clubhouse due to his religious beliefs. But there have been other instances as well involving race and sexuality, and many of those comments have struck nerves and stirred emotions that leave people uncomfortable.

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Unfortunately, Hunter entered that delicate territory again on Saturday night prior to the highly anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

What were intended to be tweets in support of Mayweather, delved a little too deep into a reality that gives people those same uncomfortable feelings he's stirred up before, and he's definitely hearing the backlash from the social media world.

His controversial follow up tweet was predictably deleted, but they are plenty of screen grabs out there showing what the typed.

(Torii Hunter on Twitter)
(Torii Hunter on Twitter)

Of course, the problem lies in what Mayweather has allegedly done outside the ring, which includes an extensive history of physically abusing women. That Hunter so willingly dismissed that history in the name of watching sports and being entertained on a Saturday night, creates a problem. There's a disconnect there and an ability to separate real life from entertainment on a level that leaves people puzzled, concerned and honestly perturbed.

That isn't to say Hunter isn't within his rights to express such feelings. If that's how he feels, and he's comfortable enough to let the world know, so be it. But it's always going to be met with strong feelings of anger and confusion, because it's a difficult perspective to grasp.

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Bill Baer of Hardball Talk really summed it up quite well, saying that according to Hunter's logic, who a man kisses in the privacy of his home is Hunter's business, but men beating up women isn't.

Think about that and read it a few times.

That's a summation that's accurate and it sounds worse every time you process it. That means now might be a good time for Hunter to reconsider which opinions he makes our business, and which opinions he keeps to himself.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!