Is sports ready for a gay male athlete?

[arwalden]

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5039510?GT1=7409


Is sports ready for a gay male athlete?
Ian O'Connor / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 11-02-2005 1:30pm

He is surely out there, somewhere, wondering if the time and circumstances are right. A gay male playing a major team sport is most likely struggling with the notion of outing himself on a national stage. He is measuring the pros against the cons, weighing the redeeming social value of a public declaration against the depressing wave of abuse that might roll his way.

That athlete is waiting for a sign, a cue, that will draw him from the shadows of a locker room culture too often shaped by Jurassic codes. It's time for executives, coaches and teammates to help him. The decision by Sheryl Swoopes to reveal herself as a lesbian should inspire major sports leagues to invest more time and energy into the field of sexual tolerance.

...

It will be a great day in sports, in all of America, when that male pioneer steps forward the way Robinson did more than 58 years ago, the way Swoopes did last week. But that day won't arrive until a gay man can be assured he won't be ostracized by members of his own organization, never mind opponents and fans.

That day won't arrive until a gay man on the verge of going public believes he won't be demoted, traded, or fired.


more here: http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5039510?GT1=7409

[BlueEyedSon]

1. Like we haven't had plenty already?????

[arwalden]

2. But They Tend To Come Out After They've Retired...

... when it's "safe" to be out and not risk their careers or endorsements.

[soothsayer]

3. Oh, you mean an open one as opposed to the many that are non-

disclosed?

[Kikosexy2]

4. While...

Swoopes outing herself as a lesbian really is no big deal to all, the same can't be said for a male athlete to come out. Men are just brutal and cruel to any male athlete who should out himself. It's the nature of the beast I guess. It would have to take one very courageous male athlete to do so and hopefully just bust the doors wide open...I don't see that coming anytime soon...too much MONEY at stake...money talks..

[Catfight]

5. America is ready for EQUALITY and DIGNITY for ALL! nt

[joeybee12]

6. People say they're ready, but they really aren't...

...and by people, I am basically referring to fellow players who say it won't bother them, but that's only because it is a theoretical question. Once it actually happens, the tune will be different. Too bad, and I think the person who finally does it will go through a lot. Then again, breaking down barriers is never easy--the mention of Jackie Robinson of course reminds us all of this.

[kweerwolf]

7. Given the kind of knuckle-dragging Neanderthals ...

... who comprise the average sports viewers, I'd have to say we'll be ready for an "out" gay male athlete sometime around 2238.