ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—A Maryland state delegate is reprimanded by an ethics committee. Del. Emmett Burns misused official stationery in a letter to the Baltimore Ravens urging the team to silence players who support same-sex marriage.

The leading opponent of same-sex marriage tells Adam May he’s suspicious.

Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo is one of the most vocal supporters of marriage equality in professional sports.

“I support marriage for gay and lesbian couples,” Ayanbadejo said.

During last year’s campaign, state Delegate Emmett Burns wrote a letter to the Ravens, urging them to silence the linebacker.

Now an ethics committee has reprimanded the Baltimore County Democrat for writing the letter on official stationery.

“I don’t want to want to make the ethics committee mad at me,” Burns said.

But Delegate Burns suggests the reprimand was political.

“I’m against same-sex marriage, and there’s a person out there who didn’t like it and wrote the committee,” Burns said.

Burns would not name names.

Meanwhile, it’s Ayanbadejo’s turn to write a letter.

He’s urging gay and lesbian athletes to come out of the closet in Tuesday’s USA Today.

“The young guys in the NFL are more open, a lot more progressive and have a better idea of where we’re going as a nation,” Ayanbadejo said.

Burns says he’ll continue opposing gay rights, but he’ll be more careful about how.

“It’s a gray area because I represented my constituents. Next time I’ll write it on tissue,” Burns said.

Even though Burns would not show us a copy of the reprimand, we have been told he will not face any punishment.

A Minnesota Viking made national headlines when he attacked the Burns letter, using profanity and sexual innuendo.