RUMOR: Del. Emmett Burns Retiring? // Baltimore County Dem Fought w/ Ravens' Brendon Ayanbadeo Over Marriage Equality

Del. Emmett Burns

A Maryland Juice source reports that Delegate Emmett Burns of Baltimore County recently announced his retirement from the House of Delegates. Burns, a District 10 Democrat, reportedly gave notice of his plans at a fundraising event for Rainier Harvey -- a candidate for Delegate in District 44B. Note that we haven't yet confirmed this rumor!

Emmett Burns caused an uproar last year when he used the power of his office to chastise Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadeo after the NFL player endorsed marriage equality in Maryland. Yahoo! Sports previously published a copy of Del. Burns' letter to the Baltimore Ravens (excerpt below):

DELEGATE EMMETT BURNS JR: As a Delegate to the Maryland General Assembly and a Baltimore Raven Football fan, I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadeo, would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically, as a Raven Football player....

Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is stricly for pride, entertainment and excitement. I believe Mr. Ayanbadeo should concentrate on football....

I am requesting that you take the necessary action, as a National Football Franchise Owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employee.... Please give me your immediate response....

Several Maryland Juice readers are breathing a sigh of relief and proclaiming good riddance to Delegate Burns.  Onward with 2014!