When Major League Baseball made it clear this week that guns were banned in clubhouses by posting signs articulating that policy, it seemed a no-brainer. The guns-in-workplace issue gained steam with the indefinite suspensions slapped on Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton after they brought firearms to practice. New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress remains imprisoned after accidentally discharging a firearm in a New York nightclub.

But it took less than a day for a hunting-happy ballplayer to take offense.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin is upset about the ban, telling the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that "a few guys screwed it up for everybody." Says Franklin:

"If you grew up around it, being in the outdoors and stuff, I was taught as a young kid how to respect firearms," Franklin said following Saturday's workout. "First of all, you don't get stupid with it. Always treat a gun like it's loaded. That's what I taught my son and daughters. There's a place for them."

While Franklin clearly stated he uses guns in the sportsman's sense and not for self-defense, here's guessing his comment will draw the ire of anti-gun activists, particularly given the St. Louis and Missouri areas' rank in various homicide rates.

By Gabe Lacques