The Stanley Cup

It is a tradition in America for the President to celebrate winning sports teams, not just in international competitions like the Olympics but in our internal sports like World Series winners and Super Bowl champs. This week, the Stanley Cup winning Boston Bruins were invited to the White House for this traditional honor of their accomplishment.

But Tim Thomas, the Bruin’s Most Valuable Player, chose not to attend. On his Facebook page, he explained why:

‘I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

‘This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

‘Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

‘This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic.

Tim Thomas

The Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarlli told the Boston Herald that he had discussed the White House trip with Thomas, and stated that Thomas could be suspended for not showing up at a team event. The team management has chosen not to do so. Team President Cam Neely, told Comcast SportsNet New England, the team’s television sponsor, that, “Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs. He chose not to join us. We certainly would have like to have him come and join us, but it’s his choice. It’s obviously not a choice most of the guys…well, all of the guys came except for Tim. But it’s his decision and his choice.”

The Stanley Cup was played from April to June and is part of an elimination where teams are progressively removed from competition. The whole National Hockey League championship system is a mystery to me, so I’m not even going to try here. What I do know is that the Stanley Cup is sometimes called The Holy Grail of hockey and winning it is more important somehow than whatever comes next in this elaborate elimination system. I can only assume that the June to January delay in honoring the team at the White House has something to do with this complicated system. (All apologies to hockey fans. I really enjoy hockey games, but I don’t understand the playoffs thing.) There is also a complex protocol for who gets their names engraved on the cup. The original cup did not have the bottom four layers to it. They have been added to accommodate those names. The important thing, in New England at least, is that the last time the Boston Bruins had this huge cup in their sweaty hands was 1972, so this year’s win is pretty important in New England. Let’s put it this way, I know a 94-year old lady who jokingly told her kids that she wants a plasma TV affixed to the inside of her coffin lid and a satellite feed to CSNNE so she can continue watching the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Patriots and the Bruins in the next life.

Tim Thomas is welcome to his opinions, as wrong-headed and Fox-fed as they may be. What he is not entitled to is insulting the office of the President of the United States of America.

Related articles

• Tim Thomas skips out on White House ceremony honoring Boston Bruins (inquisitr.com)
• Stanley Cup comes to the White House (whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com)
• Obama Snubbed by Boston Bruins’ Tim Thomas (usnews.com)
• Obama honors Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins (thehimalayantimes.com)
• You: Boston Bruins’ Tim Thomas Wrong in Not Attending White House Ceremony (bleacherreport.com)

Image via Wikipedia

The San Jose Sharks hockey team have rejected a request by a lesbian Sharks fan that the team join the growing list of pro-sports teams to create an ‘It Gets Better’ video.

According to the San Jose Mercury-News:

Gloria Nieto of San Francisco asked the Sharks this summer to follow the lead of the Giants and several other pro sports teams taking part in the anti-homophobia drive.

“The request just came from me, a bleed teal kind of Sharks fan who also happens to be a lesbian,” Nieto said. “I thought that since they are always such good neighbors they could follow the Giants lead on this.”

In turning her down, the team said it received requests to get involved in a “vast array of causes” and “there is simply no way to say ‘yes’ to some and ‘no’ to others.” However, Nieto was advised to contact the Sharks Foundation, which accepts grant requests.

Malcolm Bordelon, the team’s executive vice-president for business operations said, “doesn’t mean we’re pro-bullying. It just means we’ve chosen we can’t get involved with every cause that exists.”

Nieto has started a Change.org petition trying to get the team to change its mind.

The NHL is under already fire from the LGBT community for not fining Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds for a homophobic slur yelled at New York Ranger forward Sean Avery during a  game last week. Simmonds  escaped punishment from NHL officials because the league says it doesn’t have conclusive evidence Simmonds directed a slur at  Avery, despite video evidence that shows he did.

Related articles

• Anti-gay slur unpunished in NHL …Eden James, Change.org (ynative77.wordpress.com)
• Sean Avery Was Called a ‘F**king Faggot’ on the Ice. Will the NHL Care? – VIDEO (towleroad.com)
• NHL to Take No Action Against Wayne Simmonds Over ‘Faggot’ Slur (towleroad.com)

Diana Nyad

Swimmer Diana Nyad has abandoned her latest attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida.

Nyad was trying to become the first woman to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage.

The 62 year old Nyad spent more than 40 hours swimming among sharks before she gave up Sunday after having been plagued by Portuguese man of war stings.

“After more than 40 hours of swimming and two Portuguese Man-of-War stings, Diana Nyad decided to end her swim today …,” a posting on Twitter and her website said. “But, in unique and characteristic fashion, Nyad decided to complete this day.”

“I trained this hard for this big dream I had for so many years, and to think these stupid little Portuguese man o’ war take it down,” Nyad later said to The Associated Press . “It’s a huge disappointment.” She said that as she swam, she felt paralysis in her back. She recalled swimming through the two stings, which she described as like something out of a sci-fi movie when the tentacles whipped across her.

She abandoned another attempt in August after 42 hours in the water.

Swimming from Cuba to Florida is a lifelong dream that Nyad first tried as a 28-year-old back in 1978, when she swam inside a steel shark cage for about 42 hours before ending the attempt.

Related articles

• Diana Nyad quits Cuba-to-Florida swim (cbsnews.com)
• Diana Nyad Begins Swim from Cuba to Florida without Shark Cage: VIDEO (towleroad.com)
• Painful jellyfish stings force Diana Nyad to quit Cuba-to-Florida swim (thestar.com)

The Russian professional hockey team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv was decimated when the private jet carrying them crashed soon after take off. Almost all of the 45 people on board were killed including European and former NHL players. There were only two who survived. Thirty-six of those on board were players, coaches and team officials. Eight were crew.

According to ESPN:

Dallas Stars defenseman Karlis Skrastins, Slovakian national team captain and ex-NHL player Pavol Demitra, Olympic gold medal-winning goaltender Stefan Liv of Sweden and the team’s coach, former Detroit Red Wings assistant and NHL player Brad McCrimmon were among those confirmed dead.

The chartered Yak-42 was on its way to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, for the first match of the season against Dinamo Minskin. It was to be the opening game of the Kontinental Hokey League Season. The plain struggled to gain altitude and hit a signal tower before breaking apart along the Volga River near Yaroslavl. The city is about 150 miles northeast of Moscow. Divers worked to recover bodies around flaming fragments of the plane that landed in the river.

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation stated “This is the darkest day in the history of our sport. This is not only a Russian tragedy — the Lokomotiv roster included players and coaches from 10 nations.”

Only Russian Alexander Galimov and an unidentified crew member were hospitalized in “very grave” condition according to Alexander Degyatryov, the chief doctor at Yaroslavl’s Solovyov Hospital. “Their state of health is very grave. But there is still some hope.”

Among the dead were Czech players Josef Vasicek, Karel Rachunek and Jan Marek. Ruslan Salei of Russia, a former player for the Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks was also dead.

Here is a list of those who died, the rest of the story can be read at ESPN.

Passengers
Vitaly Anikeyenko
Yury Bakhvalov
Aleksandr Belyayev
Mikhail Balandin
Aleksandr Vasyunov
Josef Vasicek
Aleksandr Vyukhin
Aleksandr Galimov — in critical condition
Robert Dietrich
Pavol Demitra
Andrei Zimin
Marat Kalimulin
Aleksandr Karpovtsev
Aleksandr Kalyanin
Andrei Kiryukhin
Nikita Klyukin
Igor Korolyov
Nikolai Krivonosov
Yevgeny Kunnov
Vyacheslav Kuznetsov
Stefan Liv
Jan Marek
Brad McCrimmon
Sergey Ostapchuk
Vladimir Piskunov
Karel Rachunek
Evgeny Sidorov
Karlis Skrastins
Ruslan Saley
Pavel Snurnitsyn
Daniil Sobchenko
Ivan Tkachenko
Pavel Trakhanov
Igor Urychev
Gennady Churilov
Maksim Shuvalov
Artyom Yarchuk
Crew
Andrey Solontsev
Igor Zhevelov
Sergei Zhuravlev
Vladimir Matyushkin
Aleksandr Sizov — in critical condition
Yelena Sarmatova
Nadezhda Maksumova
Yelena Shavina

30 August 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

The crack of the bat, the dust of the diamond, and the joy of teamwork are all drawing members of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance to the Chicago area for their week-long 35th Annual Gay Softball World Series. NAGAAA kicked the events off with the opening ceremonies Monday night at the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier in what organizers are calling one of the largest sporting events in the LGBT community.

Warren Schapel, a Toronto softball player, stated “We couldn’t really comprehend the consequences of what would happen. We wanted to play softball and we created an organization to do that.”

The games that are scheduled will be taking place at three different complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles. It is also expected that some $5million in business to the city. According to Ted Cappas, 2011 series president, “It’s great for our local sports community, our LGBT sports community, because it just brings better awareness , better exposure to potential sponsors and makes our league stronger and richer. But it’s also important for the city at large, bringing people into the city. The economic impact is huge.”

There will be some nine Chicago teams participating with at least one team in each of the divisions, and there are expected to be 150 teams from 41 cities across North America divided into five divisions. According to Tim Tellez, a softball player from Los Angeles, “The LGBT community is recognized for our athleticism, and we get to come together as a big unit in the city and have fun.”

There are about 4,000 players and fans attending the games.

According to ABC in Chicago:

“I want to get my ring, pad my resume for the Hall of Fame,” said Marcus Carter, Atlanta softball player. “It’s my first world series so I’m extremely excited. We got a great team,” said softball player Bill Attaway. Patrick Keegan, 46, of Chicago, came out when he was 28-years-old. He has been away from the games for the past 10 years and decided to come back.

“I’ve got a second place, a third place and a fourth place finish in all the world series I’ve played in. I’m getting a first this year,” Keegan said.

There will be other events, including many that will benefit charity. Here is the ABC report on this:

21 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

Next year is the 2012 Summer Olympics, and one athlete is setting her site for the London games. Lincoln Ladies defender Casey Stoney wants to be part of the Olympic experience for next year in her home country. Recently, she played in all of the matches that England competed in for the World Cup in Germany. England only reached the quarter-finals.

Stoney did tell BBC Lincolnshire “To be part of London 2012 would be the highlight of my career. If we could do something special and maybe go all the way, what can I say? There are no words to describe that.”

Stoney returns to her normal team and to the usual matches now. After ten weeks off for the World Cup, the Lincoln Ladies return to the Women’s Super League with an away game agaisnt Bristol Academy this Friday. Stoney said about it “We want to start well, we want to start with a win and we won’t accept anything less than that.”

21 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

And now for some sports. The Liverpool Ladies football (soccer) club have signed defenders Emma Jones and Beth Bailey ahead of this Sunday’s Women’s Super League game against Arsenal. Jones is coming from the Football Association Women’s Super League (WSL) club Bristol Academy and Bailey is signing from National Division side Nottingham Forest.

Currently, Liverpool is at the bottom of the WSL and is looking to have their first victory. According to Reds boss Robbie Johnson, who talked to BBC Raido Merseyside, “What they can bring to the team is stability and experience. We’ve been looking to strengthen in defence which will give us confidence, keep us in the games longer and hopefully be able to push us to get our win.”

Jones has made five appearances for Bristol this season, and that includes three in the WSL, has said that Liverpool can improve. She stated “I don’t think the league position is that reflective of what’s happened in the games. I think if you take out Birmingham and Arsenal at the top, it’s really congested. It only takes a few goals and a couple of wins to get up the table.”

Bailey has been at Nottingham Forest for five seasons and hopes to have her first taste of the Super League against Arsenal. Bailey told the BBC “If you’re going to play you’re first game in the Super League, why not start against Arsenal. Hopefully I will add to the defensive stability they’ve been working on. If I can add to performances which mean they climb the table then that would be great.”

20 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

This past weekend saw one of the biggest matches in Women’s Soccer, and, well, American Soccer to hit the national psyche, and while the American women did not exactly win, the game remained close for quite some time. In the end, though, Japan won. Still, last night, Dr. Rachel Maddow covered the showdown.

Rachel Maddow and women’s soccer…what more can a lesbian woman ask for? (Well, a lot, but at least this is nice).

17 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

Japan has won the Women’s World Cup. It went down to penalty shots, but the women of Japan won the World Cup after a long match. Hugs went to the women on the American side while the Japanese players celebrated. For the Japanese players, the victory is a wonderful feeling given the devastation that occurred between the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.

A red card was issued against Azusa Iwashimizu, the first in the World Cup.

The game was intense with Hope Solo doing a phenomenal job of goal keeping, and the players put their all into winning on both sides, but in the end, Japan made three penalty kicks to America’s one.

Congratulations go out to Japan for their first ever victory in a Women’s World Cup match.

Five North Korean women have tested postiive for steroids at the World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany. It’s the largest doping scandal at a major tournament in 17 years, and the largest in the history of women’s soccer. The last World Cup doping was in 1994, when Diego Maradona of Argentina tested positive for stimulants, three years after his suspension for cocaine use.

In addition to the five North Koreans, Colombia’s reserve goalie, Yineth Varon, was suspended for failing a drug test before the World Cup began. Her’s was the first case of doping in women’s soccer.

Song Jong Sun and Jong Pok Sim tested positive for steroids after North Korea’s first two matches against the United States and Sweden. They were suspended from the Colombia match, when their team was eliminated from competition. The other three players were discovered after the Colombia match. The North Korean federation said the a “lightning strike was responsible for this.” The steroids were apparently derived from a musk deer gland. The hairy, 1.5 inch gland is cut open to extract a liquid that is used in Asian medicine, which was administered to the athletes after a lightning strike on June 8 at their training camp.

Athletic federations have been concerned about the use of natural drugs, such as this musk deer gland, because they can either be missed in testing or aren’t covered by the rules concerning doping. The World Anti-Doping Agency was called in to analyze the drug, a sample of which the North Koreans provided for testing. FIFA’s chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak said “It was very complex.” The gland “is not part of the world of doping. It is really the first case in which this has been discovered.”

After North Korea’s first match, their coach, Kim Kwang Min told officials that goalie Hong Myong Hui, and more than five other players were sent to hospital because of a lightning strike on the field. The team doctors “actually said the players were not capable of playing in the tournament,” Kim said.

Dvorak said, “We saw some pictures with ambulances and saw that some players were taken from the pitch, but that is all we have.” North Korea provided information about the incident and the medical care given to the players, but “this very first report did not include the traditional Chinese medicine,” Dvorak said.

The incident is still under investigation and the team’s future in international events is still to be determined.

The final game of the Women’s World Cup will take place on Sunday pitting first-ranked United States against a very strong Japanese team.

Related articles

• FIFA: NKorea case shows tough anti-doping stand (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• North Korean hopes to co-host 2018 Winter Olympics: Report (theglobeandmail.com)
• Cup failure: N. Koreans tested positive at tourney (nypost.com)

What’s your type?  Do you think you have one?

I’ve been asked this question before.  Haven’t we all?   To tell the truth, I feel a little uncomfortable answering.  The images that pop in my head of my “dream girl” (my dream girl would have to be my type, right?) make me feel shallow, narcissistic.  Boobs.  Long hair.  Abs.  The images that pop into my head are all physical attributes.  What the hell?  I’m kidding myself.  That isn’t my type…  But wait, I have a subscription to Playboy…?

So what is mine?  Do I even have one?

I look back at the four relationships I’ve been in.  I don’t think each girl could be more different than the other.

Girl #1: redhead, lifeguard, country girl, averagely talented at theatre/sports, an overall nice Minnesota girl

Girl #2: brunette, tall, incredibly intelligent, amazing actress, awesome personality, “X-Files” and “Friends” geek (I say this with love)

Girl #3: Can I describe Angela as a girl? Ha… masculine, muscular, short, outstanding athlete, quick to laugh, just as quick to anger, a cop

Girl #4: blonde, southern, small, not an athlete OR an actress, crazy, spontaneous, sexy

Um.  Maybe I don’t have a type?

Still, I look at my list above and one relationship stands out.  (One of these things is not like the other. Ha…) It was the only time I ever dated someone I didn’t feel at the time was my type.  Read: feminine.  If I wanted to date a guy, I’d date a guy, right?  And um, I’m a lesbian.

I remember when I first met Angela.  Online.  Myspace.  (You can laugh now.)

She pursued me heavily.  A first.  I wasn’t the “boy” in the relationship.  Also a first.  SHE took care of ME.  Bought me dinner.  Gave me presents.  Held the door.  Offered her arm.  Did this feel unnatural for me?  At times.  Honestly, I’d rather have someone hold MY arm.  But for some reason, with Ang, I felt I could relax.  Being the “guy” in a relationship is a lot of work, even when you’re good at it.

She was a cop.  She sent pictures of herself in uniform, and I could see that she had short-cropped hair, shorter than mine.  But her eyes were almond colored, and were extremely feminine.  She had a great smile, great teeth.  Did I mention the “cop” thing?

After three months of talking online, and another month of phone conversation, we finally agreed to meet for a weekend in Indianapolis.  She arrived at the hotel first, and when she opened the door to the room, my first thought was… “My god, she looks like a little DUDE!”  I mean, I shouldn’t have been that surprised; I had pictures.  But the way she carried herself, her physicality…  It was in that moment, that exact second, I said to myself the very thing which has given me the balls to live the way I choose from then on:

Fuck it.

I jumped out of the box I’d put myself in, and decided to try something different.  I’d been speaking to this woman for four months; we had a very real connection.  I didn’t want to write that off because I was worried she wasn’t my type.

And it was different.

I quickly learned she wasn’t really the guy.  I’m embarrassed that I thought she would be.  I was young and naïve.

It’s easy to see why, though.  People look at me and assume.  Am I really the guy?  Anyone that’s been in a relationship with me can tell you, I will cry at “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” harder than you will.  And don’t even get me started on “Intervention”!  And I am almost always the more emotional/more sensitive one in a relationship.  To be truthful, I don’t see gender roles at all in same-sex relationships, be it in day to day living or the bedroom.

Ang and I figured it out.  We loved each other and had a ton of fun.  When a gorgeous girl walked by, did we both stop and stare?  Yes.  Sometimes, she’d turn to me and say “You like the girlie girls!”  Well, yeah.  So did she.  But we also liked each other.

Did I eventually leave her for someone that was blonde, feminine, soft and curvy?  Yep.   And I can tell you right now that it had nothing to do with love, with being in love.  I loved Angela.  I was in love with her. But my relationship with her was in shreds.  She tore me apart.  (That is its own story, yet to be written.)  I didn’t leave her because she wasn’t my type.

I can tell you that I’m glad, in that millisecond outside of the hotel room door, that I said “Fuck it.”  I’m glad I was in that relationship.  I learned a lot about myself, about love in that relationship.  Just as in any relationship I learned what I want in a partner and what I don’t.  When I think back to Angela, I don’t think, “Well, I definitely don’t want someone more masculine than ME again!”  Nope, I think, “I definitely don’t want someone so ANGRY again.”

Why am I even on this topic?  Soccer.

Lately I’ve been watching USA Women’s Soccer and am not going to deny that I didn’t get turned on watching Abby Wambach head two goals in the last two games.  But wait!  She kinda looks like a dude!

So what.

So do I have a type?  Sure.  Talented.  At anything.  Sports?  Ok.  Theatre?  Ok.  Flip cup?  Definitely.  (Kidding. Kinda.)  Intelligent.  Funny.  Motivated.  Driven.

These things are not physical attributes.  Do I have a physical type?  Well…Attractive.  Masculine, feminine, I don’t care.  And you know as well as I do that people become more physically attractive the more you appreciate them for less superficial reasons. (Side note – Google image searched Abby Wambach just for shits and giggles and saw that she used to have long typical soccer-girl hair.  Physically, much more attractive with the new ‘do she’s got going on.  Am I right?)

So, I guess I DO have a type.  It just isn’t physical.

And um, those girls in my Playboy magazine may not have all the non-physical attributes that I’m looking for in a woman, but… I read it for the articles, anyway.

Alex Fox

I started with your typical sports. Tee-ball when I was old enough, moving into softball, dance (tap, ballet, jazz), eventually basketball, then when I was in eighth grade, out of nowhere, I turned to my stepmom and said:

“I want to play soccer.”
“What? Why? That’s too manly of a sport.”
“I want to play soccer.”
“No.”

Ok. There went that dream.

For the time being.

Without her approval or signature on the little slip, I decided to change the conversation:

“I want to play volleyball.”
“Oh how fun! That’ll be so much fun for you..!”

So there it was. I was a volleyball player.

NO OFFENSE! I love standing around and hitting balls, but coooome oooon! I wanted to run! I wanted to run and kick balls! But… No. It wasn’t “feminine” enough.

Two years later, I tried again.

“I want to play soccer.”
“No.”
“I’m going to play soccer.”

And so I did. And I LOVED it. Excuse me. LOVE it.

It is something they have been searching for…

Individual sports for women have always had greater success and longevity than team sports. One of the oldest professional sports for women in the United States is golf. Established in 1950, it only took two decades for it to become an international organization. Even women’s professional bowling was established before the 1960s. Women’s tennis in the 1970s. All still going strong.

It is something they have fought for…

Something they have earned…

On the opposite side, we have women’s professional team sports, which have always had a difficult time surviving and stabilizing. Why? Well, some people argue that it is the masculine image of team sports that has inhibited some women from participating. The aggression. The sweat. The contact. The competitiveness… All these “unladylike” attributes… And yet men don’t think women sports are intense or aggressive ENOUGH, so there goes that fan-base…

It is something they are slowly receiving…

Respect.

Not only as women, but as female athletes.

The professional female athletic organizations and systems are finally gaining acceptance as offering respectable and entertaining sports that are worthy of public and national attention. Now it is up to the management of these organizations to attract more spectators in order for them to be considered successful and for women’s athletics to permeate society as a whole.

Considering the lack of acknowledgement soccer has received in the United States, it doesn’t exactly surprise me that rumored gay-thletes are hesitant to come out and embrace their assumed sexuality/relationships (cough-cough Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe). The seductive looks… The matching hair… the on- and off-field chemistry… It’s all there. We see it.

And we LOVE it.

While some of us may agree that it would be extremely liberating and show immense support for the gay community, I personally don’t think it’s solely their decision to keep their relationship and sexual preferences a secret. Their “agents” more than likely view homosexuality as a “threat” to their “brand.” Even some college coaches threaten their players about announcing and admitting to their tendencies while some coaches won’t even allow gay-thletes on their team. I mean even going from the long-haired, ponytail, feminine brunette to a hair cut that just screams LESBIAN!, Wambach took a huge step forward; she now looks the “part” to fit the rumors.

And with the recent, undeniable success of the U.S.A. National Women’s soccer team? The last thing the owners/coaches/players/agents/organizations want is a reason to deter any of their potential fans.

Yet, what they neglect to consider is the number of fans they would ATTRACT by openly admitting to who they are. Showing that they have personalities outside of the soccer facade. A new [and dare-I-say and improved] role model for younger female athletes. Although some may ridicule, others would relentlessly support. Those who may have never been interested in soccer before, now would be.

BASICALLY, all I’m saying…

Abby. Megan. When you read this, just know:

1. Your sexuality is acknowledged.
2. You should embrace it.
3. You have more support than you know.
4. You would make one HOT couple.

GO U.S.A.!

Want more information on this or other gay-thletes? Contact me, Alex Fox, at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

Miller Lite truck, T. Verrastro Distributing Co.

NOW Minnesota’s government shutdown is a crisis. Minnesotans may soon be unable to buy Miller or Coors beers anywhere in the state.

MillerCoors didn’t renew their license with the state before the shutdown occurred, and now they may not be able to legally deliver their product anywhere in the state. No Coors, no Miller Lite, no Miller Draft, no Milwaukee’s Best, over 30 varieties of beer, no way, no how. MillerCoors says they filed all the paperwork on time, and that state officials are trying to work the problem out. What state officials? The alcohol regulation division of the Department of Public Safety is shut down, all their employees furloughed. Julian Green, MillerCoors spokesman, told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Don Walker that reports that no MillerCoors products were available were premature. “We are feeling the pain just like other licensees, but we are working with the state to clear this up. We have pretty significant volume there.” So what happens when that “significant volume” is used up?

Worse, around 300 bars and liquor retailers also didn’t get their buyers’ purchasing cards (the thing that lets them buy booze) renewed in time. By the end of July, that number will reach 425, and then grow exponentially as each month has new places licenses expire. The cards, which cost $20 each are required by the state for any licensed establishment to buy alcohol from a wholesaler. They have not been issued since June 29. Jim Arlt, director of alcohol and gambling enforcement in the Department of Public Safety, said “It’s definitely going to get worse. There will be more and more businesses affected.” Bar owners are stockpiling as much as they can before their cards expire, but it takes a lot of money to stockpile booze. Frank Ball, executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, told the Duluth News Tribune, “We’re talking about millions of dollars at stake here that can never be made up. We’ve got businesses that are about to close their doors if they can’t buy beer to sell.

The Ugly Mug, a popular bar near the Minnesota Twins stadium is in crisis. They don’t have enough beer stockpiled to make it through the season. Their inventory is diminishing every day. And beer has a relatively short shelf life. It’s not like canned peas. It’s really disgusting after six months. How does one get through to the World Series without beer?

The shutdown is a case of a Democratic governor who wants a small increase in taxes plus major spending cuts fighting a Republican legislature that will not allow any tax increases. Sound familiar? All Governor Mark Dayton wants is a responsible approach to dealing with Minnesota’s deficit. All the Republicans want is to keep money flowing into the hands of the very rich who support their campaigns.

Related articles

• Minnesota shutdown hits MillerCoors (marketwatch.com)
• MillerCoors becomes casualty of Minn. shutdown (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• SHUTDOWN CRISIS: Minnesota Running Out Of Beer (businessinsider.com)
• Shutdown could leave Minnesota dry (politico.com)
• Minnesota Suffering From Shutdown (lezgetreal.com)

11 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

This can’t be good for one’s career. Oakland A’s team member Ian Krol has been suspended indefinitely after using some very offensive language on Twitter. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reports, the tweets that have now been deleted included a “gay slur along with some other offensive language.”

Given that Krol had just 90 Twitter followers before the announcement, his career must not have been going very far. Hardball Talk over at NBC Sports reported that people were missing out on some ‘gems’ from Krol:

March 10: I’m the king, and I be smokin’

March 13: Man I feel like moneyyy

March 19: The moon’s on steriods #Supermoon…Wisconsin #WINNING…

The twenty-year old was suspended his senior year of high school for something involving alcohol. They also report “He went 9-4 with a 2.65 ERA at low-A Kane County last season. He missed the start of this season because of an elbow injury, but he resumed pitching in the Arizona League at the end of last month and he had thrown five hitless innings to date.”

One simply has to wonder why so many sports stars are so busy using offensive, anti-gay language these days.

On the other hand, just be glad I know who the Oakland A’s are.

6 July 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

This is a little far into the future, but the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held in the South korean city of Pyeongchang. That is, assuming that winter will still be around in 2018. The city failed twice before to bring the Olympics to them, but this time beat out Munich, Germany and Annecy, France in the first round of secret ballot voting by the International Olympic Committee. Pyeongchang received 63 of the 95 votes cast, they needed a minimum of 48.

The Korean delegation cheered when IOC President jacques Rogge opened the envelope stating “The International Olympic Committee has the honor of announcing that the 23rd Olympic Winter Games in 2018 are awarded to the city of Pyeongchang.” South Korea now becomes the first Asian nation to host the Winter Olympics outside of Japan, which hosted it in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998.

It has been sixteen years since the last time a Olympic bid race with more than two finalists concluded after one vote. The last time was 1995 when Salt Lake City won the 2002 Winter Olympics.

In 2010 and 2014, Pyeongchang lead going into the final vote, but lost to Vancouver and Sochi respectively. According to the Huffington Post: “Pyeongchang, whose slogan is ‘New Horizons,’ campaigned on the theme that it deserved to win on a third try and will spread the Olympics to a lucrative new market in Asia and become a hub for winter sports in the region.”

It’s not a honeymoon trip, in spite of the timing. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco will be arriving in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday for a combination hometown wedding party and an International Olympic Committee meeting of monumental importance.

Prince Albert is a member of the International Olympic Committee which on Wednesday will announce the winner of the competition to host the 2018 Olympics. The three sites that have applied to host the 2018 Winter Olympics are Annecy, France, Munich, Germany and Pyeongchang, South Korea. Annecy is a small city on the French side of the Alps near the Swiss border, whose town center is charmingly medieval. Some events would take place at the venues built for the 1968 Olympics in nearby Grenoble. Pyeongchang is in the Taebaek Mountains of South Korea and is famous for its winter sports venues. Munich is in the southern Bavarian region of Germany, close to the Austrian border. Munich was the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics during which a group of Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes. Some events would be scheduled for the 1936 Winter Olympic venues at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Both sites would like an opportunity to create new Olympic memories to fade the old ones. The 1936 Winter Olympics, which made an international star of a Norwegian skater named Sonja Henie, were overshadowed by the infamous 1936 Summer Games at Berlin, hosted by Adolf Hitler.

Princess Charlene’s native country is extremely proud of her marriage and the wedding services and celebrations were carried live on South African television. There are plans for a huge party in Durban in honor of the royal couple. In addition to the inclusion of a South African singer at the religious wedding on Saturday, Princess Charlene has vowed to introduce Monaco to the tradition of South Africa barbeque. It’s an interesting idea to contemplate – billionaires, Michelin three-and-four-star chefs, BBQ bibs and dripping ribs.

There has been no announcement of a honeymoon trip for the royal couple. Like Prince William and Princess Catherine, who also lived together before the wedding, a “honeymoon” no longer has the significance it used to. The relevant question these days about a royal “honeymoon” is where the heck do they go when they’ve already been so many places?

Related articles

• Monaco’s Prince Albert Marries Olympic Swimmer (lezgetreal.com)
• Perfect Weather For A Perfect Riviera Wedding (lezgetreal.com)
• Rich and famous invited to wedding of Prince Albert, former Olympic swimmer (theglobeandmail.com)
• Video: Princess Charlene of Monaco Wears Armani Wedding Gown for Religious Ceremony (shoppingblog.com)

Kalsoom Abdullah (photo by The Lookout)

The International Weightlifting Federation has ruled that a Muslim weightlifter can wear her hijab during competition, as well as wearing a full-body unitard designed to meet the Federation’s requirements that judges be able to assess knee position while honoring her faith’s requirements for female modesty.

Kalsoom Abdullah began lifting weights just a year ago in Atlanta and qualified for the American Open Weightlifting Championships last December. She was told, however, by the American Federation that she could not compete in her unique uniform. Elbows and knees are supposed to be uncovered in weightlifting so that the judges can look for “locking” of the joints which is the final requirement for completion of a lift. The IWF, meeting this week in Malaysia, decided that the tight-fitting unitard allows the judges full view of the joints. In their press release, the IWF said, “The newly approved competition costume modification promotes and enables a more inclusive sport environment and breaks down barriers to participation.” The hijab has always been allowed in weightlifting as long as the bar doesn’t touch the scarf. The Federation International Football Association (FIFA) does not permit it, calling it a “choking hazard.” Though the hijab ban has been in effect since 2007 for soccer, the Iranian team was recently disqualified from a game. No one has yet figured out how to create a sporting hijab that does not wrap around the neck.

Abdullah will now be able to compete in July and possibly move on to the London 2012 Olympics which open on July 27. She currently lifts 70 kilos (154 lbs.) in the “snatch” and 60 kilos (132 lbs.) in a “clean and jerk” lift,  the two required lifts for Olympic competition. The PhD in electrical engineering and researcher at Georgia Tech is obviously relieved.

Related articles

• Weightlifting group allows woman to wear hijab, unitard in competitions (gingerjar2.wordpress.com)
• International Weightlifting Federation Submits to Islamic Supremacism (atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com)
• Weightlifting attire rules changed after Atlanta Muslim woman’s mission (ajc.com)

Image via Wikipedia

06/07/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

It was only a matter of time before Westboro Baptist Church realized that in order to spread their homophobic message to a larger group of people, they would have to go after something bigger than picketing at funerals and cemeteries. Well now, they have found their new platform via the NBA, more directly NBA Commissioner David Stern.

With the NBA being on the upswing when it comes to gay equality, it is not surprising that the notoriously-homophobic church would take to making their feelings known about the situation.

On Sunday, outside the American Airlines Center – the group gathered in protest during the Miami Heat – Dallas Mavericks basketball finals.

Dallas station, KDAF reported on the matter:

But demonstrators didn’t get much support from the fans. ”I feel really bad for the kids. Adults have their reasons to have signs up. The kids feel like forced upon”, said spectator Shantanu Rangnekar.

“It’s absolutely sad and ridiculous holding a sign saying god hates f*gs”, said spectator Dawn Fisher.

But one man rallied the crowd with his own on counter-protest. ”Gay or straight god will love you gay or straight, gay or straight. John 3:16; whosoever believes in him. Not republican, not democrats not straight people, whosoever believes in him, the unidentified man said.

Related articles

• Westboro Baptist Church Brings Anti-Gay Hate to NBA Play-offs (towleroad.com)
• Westboro Protests Outside NBA Finals (advocate.com)

Image via Wikipedia

06/05/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Another sports team is joining the “It Gets Better” family. Following in the footsteps of the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox have announced that they are going to produce a video, after 12-year-old Sam Maden launched a petition (in the memory of his uncle) to get the baseball team involved. His petition has caught the eye of several other sports fans who have launched petitions for the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees to get on board. It is nice to see that baseball is joining the melee for LGBT rights, along with others in both football, basketball, and hockey.

In Maden’s case, his petition was right on point. After almost 10,000 signatures, Maden’s goal is coming to fruition with the Cubs promising to make a video. A spokesperson for the Cubs recently sent out a statement:

“We are proud of dedicated Red Sox fans like 12-year-old Sam Maden who have taken the courageous step of publicly standing up against bullying of LGBT youth,” said Susan Goodenow, Senior Vice President/Public Affairs and Marketing for the Red Sox, in a statement. “The Red Sox have frequently done PSA videos, or public service announcement videos, on important social issues. We are currently producing an “It Gets Better” video to support the It Gets Better campaign to stop bullying of LGBT youth and teen suicides. We hope that when it is released it will both reflect our continued commitment to be active participants in the community and help advance the efforts of Sam and others to stop bullying. Our team stands for respect and inclusion – there is no place for discrimination or acts of hatred in Red Sox Nation.”

No word on when the video is being published but we will make sure to show it here on LGR when it is made available.

Related articles

• Boston Red Sox Announce “It Gets Better” Video Against Anti-Gay Bullying, Joining Giants And Cubs (pamshouseblend.com)
• Chicago Cubs to Make ‘It Gets Better’ Video (towleroad.com)
• Red Sox Announce Plans To Record ‘It Gets Better’ Video (towleroad.com)

Image via Wikipedia

06/01/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Retired Hall of Famer, Warren Moon has admitted that he knows for a fact that he played with gay teammates. The ex-NFL’er sat down with the Victor and Matt Sports Podcast to discuss his career and the role sports plays in their athletes lives.

“Sports has the ability to bring people together regardless of what your race is, what your political affiliation is, what your religious affiliation is.”

Later on during the podcast, Moon was asked if he would have been offended to know if any of his teammates were gay.

“I really wouldn’t. I think I have played with a couple of players who have been gay. I know of a couple of players, who I won’t mention their names because they have not made it public yet. It really doesn’t bother me what your sexual preference is as along as you don’t bring in your sexual preferences to the locker room. I think that should be for homosexuals and heterosexuals. That’s a personal part of your life you should deal with in that way. As long as your coming to the football team and bringing a positive influence, that’s all that matters to me. Rick Welts is a guy I have known for a long time and a good friend to me at one time. I commend him for coming out. It’s too bad it’s taken this long, but if he feels comfortable to do it now, that’s great for him.”

Moon, who admitted that Phoenix Suns CEO, Rick Welts is a personal friend of his, says that he is proud about what Welts’ coming out and honesty.

On a side note, it is nice to hear someone from the older days of football acknowledging and supporting the fact that they had gay teammates but what is their issue with the locker room?

Image via Wikipedia

05/31/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Phoenix Suns player, Steve Nash was recently asked by the New York Times about his views on gay players in the NBA.

Nash, who recently came out in his support for marriage equality, told the Times that being gay is not that big of a deal anymore and it would be “surprisingly accepted.”

“If a player in the locker room came out, it would come and go quickly, too. I really don’t think it’s a big issue anymore. I think it would be surprisingly accepted, and a shorter shelf life than maybe we would imagine. I think the time has come when it should happen soon. I think it will be something that won’t take on this life of its own. It won’t be the O. J. trial.”

Nash, along with teammates, Grant Hill and Jared Dudley with ex-Suns player-turned announcer, Charles Barkley coming out with their support of gays proves that at least one team isn’t afraid to go against the grain.

Related articles

• Phoenix Suns Player Steve Nash: Gay NBA Player Would Be Accepted (towleroad.com)
• Watch: Phoenix Suns Player Steve Nash for Marriage Equality (towleroad.com)
• Phoenix Sun Steve Nash Comes Out For Marriage Equality (lezgetreal.com)
• Steve Nash for N.Y. Marriage Equality (advocate.com)
• NBA star Steve Nash supports marriage equality (topix.net)

Cover of Rush Limbaugh

05/25/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Let’s hope – for the sake of the Vikings – that this one remains a rumor, unless the NFL team wants their reputation to be linked to someone as “morally upholding” as Rush Limbaugh.

During a interview with Tim Pawlenty, Limbaugh inquired about the Vikings’ stadium situation. Limbaugh’s official website documented the exchange between the two political allies:

Limbaugh: I know you’re not in the statehouse any longer, but there’s an issue roiling the state right now and that’s the Vikings and their new stadium and how much of it should be publicly financed. The usual threats are being made: If the public doesn’t chip in and build a new stadium the Vikings are gone. They’ll move to L.A. or someplace.

Pawlenty: The rumor is you’re gonna buy ‘em and move ‘em. Is that true?

Limbaugh: (laughing) Well, uh, this interview is about you. (laughing)

Limbaugh has not hidden his love of football, I mean only in professional sports can a rich, white man rule over teams made up of mostly black players and still feel like he has the upper-hand. Fits right up Limbaugh’s alley, I’m sure.

If the rumor does prove to be true, hopefully (but doubtful) Limbaugh learned from his little “misstep” in 2003 (that led to his resignation) when he commented that ex-Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback, Donovan McNabb was overrated because “the media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.”

If anything, if Limbaugh was to be a major player in the Vikings’ – wonder if there will soon be a all white, Americana team in the making (at least in the quarterback position).

Related articles

• Limbaugh doesn’t deny rumor that he’ll buy, move Vikings (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/23/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

It seems the NBA fell a little short – about half – concerning the fine that was given to Chicago Bulls center, Joakim Noah. Even though, Noah hurled the same slur as Los Angeles Laker, Kobe Bryant – unlike Bryant, Noah only received a $50,000 fine compared to Bryant’s $100,000.

The reason being? Bryant hurled his anti-gay slur at a NBA official, where as Noah only hurled his at a fan – not sure why that counts being that they are both human beings and shouldn’t be subjected to slurs dished out by overgrown children.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/23/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

You knew it was just a matter of time before GLAAD came crashing in with their feelings about Sunday nights incident involving Chicago Bulls player, Joakim Noah and his use of a anti-gay slur towards a fan during the Bulls vs. Miami Heat game.

Jarrett Barrios, President of GLAAD issued a statement where he applauded the effort that the NBA has made within recent weeks, regarding sending out messages that homophobic language will not be tolerated. Yet, with Noah’s recent mess up, it again shows how much work needs to be done in basketball.

Noah, did issue a apology, similar to Kobe Bryant when he got in trouble for directing a slur towards a referee, unlike Bryant – Noah did own up to his mistake.

“I apologize. The fan said something to me that I thought was disrespectful, and I got caught up in the moment, and I said some things that I shouldn’t have said. I was frustrated and I don’t mean no disrespect to anybody. I just got caught up.”

However, it still shows the emotional maturity of some of these “grown” men involved in professional sports. The fact that Noah gets paid millions of dollars, plays a sport professionally and is seen as a role model to others not to mention that he is an adult man – he should have known better. Heat in the moment or not, that is not an excuse to lose your temper and then lash out with language that is disrespectful to a whole group of people.

GLAAD has reached out to the Bulls to discuss potential next steps. As of this writing, there has been no discussion on what the fallout will be for Noah as a result of Sunday’s mishap.

Related articles

• Uh Oh! Chicago Bulls Center Joakim Noah Directs Homophobic Slur At Miami Heats Fan (lezgetreal.com)

Image via Wikipedia

05/23/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Steve Nash has come out in support of New York’s marriage equality proposition. Nash, plays for the Phoenix Suns, whose CEO Rick Welts, just recently revealed that he was gay.

The clip is produced by the Human Rights Campaign and shows Nash discussing his love of New York and playing in the Garden, with shots thrown in of Nash handing his on the basketball court.

The commercial ends with Nash stating:

“A growing number of professional athletes are speaking out in support of gay and lesbian couples getting married, I’m proud to be one of them. Join me and the super majority of New Yorkers who support marriage equality.”

Nash, who has wanted to join the campaign for a long time, joins several other athletes that are open with their pro-LGBT allegiances. So far, there has been no apparent backlash – unlike NHL player, Sean Avery – who debuted his video for marriage equality earlier this month.

This comes on the heels of Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah hurling a homophobic slur at a fan during the Bulls vs. Heat game Sunday night. At least with Nash’s commercial – he is going on record to stand up against those (in the NBA or otherwise) that are bent on trying to keep LGBT equality out of the mainstream.

Surely, there will be more LGBT fans cheering for the Suns this upcoming season, being that Welts, Nash, Grant Hill and Jared Dudley are all involved in the fight for LGBT equality, one way or another.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/22/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

It appears, Chicago Bulls center, Joakim Noah during game 3 of the Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls NBA finals series decided to pull a “Kobe Bryant” and set the NBA back regarding LGBT equality.

Emotions are running high with both teams wanting to advance to the finals but apparently Noah – who has admitted that he feeds of the energy of the crowd – let it slip that he is more than fine with letting the “faggot” word fly. While sitting on the bench, Noah supposedly feeling heckled by the boisterous Heat fans, couldn’t take it anymore and hurled “F**king faggot” towards one of the fans. The only difference, unlike Bryant – the slur wasn’t directed towards an NBA official.

Even though, most feel Noah is the “heart” of the Bulls – obviously, he can’t control his homophobic slur usage. He also is out of control and not used to losing but that is for another discussion.

No word on if NBA commissioner, David Stern will intervene but with how the NBA has been emphasizing its support of LGBT equality – with several key constituents coming out as gay themselves. It would be disappointing, if Stern didn’t reprimand Noah for his thoughtless actions.

Noah’s heat of the moment antics can cost his team in the end, especially if Stern – who has made it known that he is not playing when it comes to homophobia – decides to not only fine Noah but suspend him as well. Sports analyst are in favor of his being fined, with some even stating that Noah should get his checkbook ready.

Will update as the story develops.

Image via Wikipedia

05/22/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

It has been reported that Oscar De La Hoya has recently checked himself into a rehabilitation facility for unknown substance abuse treatment. De La Hoya’s last fight was to Manny Pacquiao in December 2008 – which resulted in a loss for the acclaimed boxer.

De La Hoya, owner of Golden Boy Promotions, released a statement to TMZ once news of his location spread.

“After doing an honest evaluation of myself, I recognize that there are certain issues that I need to work on. Like everyone, I have my flaws, and I do not want to be one of those people that is afraid to admit and address those flaws. Throughout my career and my life, I have always met all challenges head-on, and this is no different. I am confident that with the support of my family and friends, I will become a stronger, healthier person. I ask for respect and privacy as my family and I go through this process.”

De La Hoya has been rumored to have problems with substance abuse, with issues coming to the limelight slowly in 2007 when pictures were released of De La Hoya in women’s drag.

Friday night, the boxer took to his Twitter and stated:

“Stop finding excuses not to live. Life is controlled by what you make of it and not what it makes of you.”

One person, reportedly close to De La Homa commented that “he’s going to be fine” but didn’t elaborate further. So far, no one from De La Hoya’s camp have declined to officially comment.

Related articles

• After Doing “An Honest Evaluation” Of Himself, Oscar De La Hoya Signed Up For Rehab [Video] (deadspin.com)
• Oscar De La Hoya: Fighter Enters Rehab to Wage Battle Against Substance Abuse (bleacherreport.com)
• Oscar De La Hoya Checks Into Rehab (rightcelebrity.com)

Not sure what is happening in the sports world as of late but we are loving it! Jared Max, a host on ESPN New York 1050 radio, revealed to his listeners this morning that he is gay. It appears that Rick Welts’ recent revelation to the New York Times, along with several sports athletes coming out in support of gay rights, Max reacting to the change taking place in sports, decided to address his

Jared Max

audience about the recent excitement surrounding gay people involved in sports. After listing off those who have either recently come out or those who are in support of LGBT rights and equality; Max decided to end the show with a startling admission.

“Are we ready to have our sports information delivered by someone who’s gay? Well, you know what, we are gonna find out. Because for the last 16 years I’ve been living a free life among my close friends and family, and I’ve hidden behind what is a gargantuan-size secret here in the sports world. I am gay. I don’t share this news with you today to get a reaction or to make news, of being a New York sportscaster working on an all-sports radio station. I do this today because it seems to me there’s never been a better time.”

Max, 37, decided to unleash his big secret after being inspired by both Welts and Will Sheridan, who used to play with Villanova. Citing his age, Max remarked, “”I’m 37 — I think it’s time I’ve released myself from these self-imposed shackles that have kept me living in fear for too long.”

Nice to hear that someone else involved in the sports environment has had the guts to come out and live their lives openly and honestly. The times are definitely a-changin’ and it is about time.

Max’s podcast can be heard here.

Image via Wikipedia

05/19/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Rick Welts, the man behind the Phoenix Suns appeared with Eliot Spitzer discussing all the support that he has received from coming out via the New York Times over this weekend.

Welts stated, that he has been getting positive reception from those in the NBA and in sports.

Suns players, Grant Hill and Jared Dudley recently filmed a public-service announcement with GLSEN to mostly positive reviews. Hill recently sat down with CNN to discuss the PSA on why anti-gay language is not cool and that gay athletes should feel safe and accepted in sports and in their everyday lives.

Retired NBA player Charles Barkley (who also used to be on the Suns) also came forward in support of gay players in the NBA. In a phrase that will often be quoted (and Barkley has got quite a few), he stated that he rather have a great gay player over a lousy straight player any day of the week.

Sounds like the Phoenix Suns’ are going to be getting a lot more fans this upcoming season, which would be well deserved.

Image via Wikipedia

By AJ Allen  19 May 11 – In an interview with German magazine Bunte, Bayern Munich and national team captain, Phillip Lahm, has advised gay professional footballers against outing themselves.

‘ For someone who does, it would be very difficult,’ the 27 year old defender said. ‘An openly gay footballer would be exposed to abusive comments.’

But Lahm insists he would feel comfortable playing alongside a gay team mate.

‘ I have no problem with homosexuals whatsoever,’ he added.

Lahm’s comments are likely to land him in a spot of bother with the German Football Federation (DFB) – especially president Theo Zwanziger who has called for gay footballers to come out and promised the federations help.

‘ I would find it brave and would welcome it if a player would come out,’ said Zwanziger in March. ‘ He would have the support of the DFB and from me.’

Lahm’s sentiments are not shared by some of his national team mates. Last November Bayern Munich striker, Mario Gomez, gave an interview-also to Bunte-where he urged gay footballers to come out of the closet.

‘They would play as if they have been liberated. Being gay should no longer be a taboo topic,’ said Gomez.

He added that there were plenty of role models in German society to inspire gay players to come out, including Foreign Minister Guido Westerwell and Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit.

Not sure what the Baltimore Ravens players are drinking lately but they need to keep it up. Wide receiver Donté Stallworth has become the second player to speak out for LGBT equality. He joins linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo, who has not only come out for LGBT equality but has aligned himself with notable LGBT organizations in support.

Stallworth has used his Twitter to show his support for LGBT equality.

Stallworth's Twitter Feed

It is nice to see that sports players are not afraid of speaking out – even if others around them may not be comfortable.

Related articles

• Baltimore Ravens LineBacker Brendan Ayanbadejo Talks To ESPN About Athletes Supporting LGBT Rights (lezgetreal.com)
• Watch: ESPN Talks to Ravens Linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo About Support of Gay Rights from Pro Sports Figures (towleroad.com)
• Baltimore Ravens LineBacker Brendan Ayanbadejo Talks To ESPN About Athletes Supporting LGBT Rights (pinkbananaworld.com)
• Professional Hockey Player Sean Avery Speaks Out For LGBT Rights (lezgetreal.com)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/18/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Toronto Maple Leafs GM, Brian Burke called for an end to homophobia at City Hall this Tuesday. During a press conference commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Burke discussed that no child should be made to feel afraid and unaccepted.

“Imagine being afraid to go to school, imagine being afraid to step on a school bus, imagine being afraid to walk the halls. That’s a life that no child should lead and that’s the life that many children lead in Ontario.”

Even though, most are led to believe that Canada is more progressive when it comes to LGBT equality, in sports that is definitely not the case. For Burke’s conference, only one television camera bothered to come and document the occasion. Thankfully, Burke made sure that everyone was aware of that fact.

“One camera here folks, we’ve got a long way to go, shame on the people that didn’t show up to publicize this, shame on you.”

This hits home for Burke personally being that his hockey playing son, Brendan made headlines when he publicly declared that he was gay. After his coming out, Brendan made it a point to fight tolerance in professional sports. Unfortunately, he died in a car crash in 2010.

After his son’s passing, Burke marched with PFLAG last year, this year he plans to do the same but this time, he’ll be wearing his Leafs’ jersey.

Image via Wikipedia

05/18/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Leave it to retired basketball player, Charles Barkley to chime in about all the talking ESPN and the NBA has drummed up concerning LGBT rights. Barkley, who is known more for his bite than trying to be anyone’s best friend recently sat down with the Washington Post’s Mike Wise, going on the record that he was never worried about having gays in basketball, what he fears is having a lousy player. The retired player – turned TNT announcer, also discussed how he believes that the NBA is ready for a gay player and with Phoenix Suns CEO Rick Welts’ recent coming out, maybe that idea is not too far off the horizon.

Tell them, Sir Charles!

From the Wise’s article in the Post:

Fears of feeling uncomfortable in the shower or the dressing areas, Barkley said, are unfounded in his experience.

“A guy is never going to put himself in that situation in a professional locker room,” Barkley said. “It never crossed my mind, and I never felt any different about the guy.”

Also weary of the perception that a majority of straight male athletes are intensely homophobic, Barkley said gay players pose no problem, adding, “Man, we need to outlaw guys who suck at sports.”

“I really like ESPN,” Barkley added. “They do a great job. But like once every two or three months, they bring all these people on there, and they tell me how me and my team are going to respond to a gay guy.

“First of all, every player has played with gay guys. It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say, ‘Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport. These guys would go crazy.’ First of all, quit telling me what I think. I’d rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can’t play.”

Even though, per usual Barkley the message delivered was clear with no room for interpretation but he is echoing a sentiment that should be at the forefront of all things not just in sports. Hopefully, his statement reached those in the sports community that want to keep homophobia in play. After all, between a gay athlete that can ball over a straight player that barely passes muster – who would you want in your corner come finals? When did who were attracted to play in to how good of a player you are? The misplaced “fear” is unfounded and it is nice to hear someone as revered as Barkley stand up and make that impression known.

Related articles

• Charles Barkley On Gay Athletes (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Charles Barkley On Gay Players In The NBA: ‘Every Player Has Played With Gay Guys’ (sbnation.com)
• NBA Exec Comes Out, Charles Barkley Adds Spice to Otherwise Boring Fallout (theiinteamblog.com)

The San Francisco Giants have just committed to becoming the first team in professional sports to produce an “It Gets Better” video against anti-gay bullying, opening up a broader conversation in America about homophobia in the sports world and in our society. The hope is that this will lead to a much wider conversation and rid the sports world of the so too oft “you so gay…. sissy…” stuff!

The Giants will join President Obama, corporations like Google and Apple, and more than 10,000 people who have uploaded poignant and powerful videos supporting kids struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity. This, coming from a sports team of such visibility is a bold and inspiring statement.

As pugnacious as it may seem to some, especially those who flail in States between the two Coasts, the mere fact of this may compel and influence others toward similar stance, whether as overt as our heroes the GIANTS or perhaps somewhat more remotely behind the scenes.

Inspired by the It Gets Better Project and heartsick about recent homophobic incidents in sports, Giants fan Sean Chapin decided to start a petition on Change.org reaching out to his favorite team. More than 6,000 Giants fans signed on in support of Sean’s petition, including four San Francisco mayoral candidates.

The San Francisco Giants are now taking a courageous stand on behalf of gay kids, and those perceived to be gay, perhaps changing sports forever. Click here to join Sean Chapin in thanking the Giants for their amazing leadership. (Change.org)

This fantastic news comes in the aftermath of incidents involving basketball star Kobe Bryant and Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, who was suspended for calling a group of Giants fans a “homo couple” and making lewd gestures before a recent game in San Francisco.

“With role models like Bryant and McDowell, it’s no wonder homophobia is rampant in sports, from high school to the pros — and it’s no wonder that there are zero openly gay men in the four major American sports leagues.”

By taking a stand against anti-gay bullying, the Giants are striking a big blow to homophobia — and giving a big boost to gay youth across America, especially kids who seek to one day play professional sports.

Please add your name to join Sean Chapin in thanking the Giants and letting them know how much you appreciate their courage:

http://www.change.org/petitions/thank-the-san-francisco-giants-for-making-an-it-gets-better-anti-homophobia-video

Thanks for joining thousands of fans across America who support equality. Together, we’ll make sure the sports world is no longer a home for homophobia.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
Facebook Melanie
twitter @oblogdeeoblogda

The public-service announcement featuring NBA players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley has finally been made public. This ad was formed when the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network aligned with the National Basketball Association in an effort to combat the use of homophobic slurs in sports. This PSA is an extension of the “Think Before You Speak,” as well as GLSEN’s “Changing the Game” campaign. The PSA was set to be shown during the NBA finals but will also be distrubuted to 33,000 media outlets nationwide.

The two players started shooting the PSA around the same time as another player, Kobe Bryant made headlines for using a homophobic slur towards a referee during a game. Dudley and Hill are the first professional athletes to appear in this particular campaign.

After the PSA was made public, several “fans” of Hill took to his Twitter account to give their opinion:

Screenshot of Grant Hill's Twitter

Oh, but that is not all!

Grant Hill Twitter Part 2

So, standing up for a marginalized part of society is now gay? It is even more unfortunate that those affected may miss the message entirely, due to others laziness when it comes to expanding their vocabulary. Instead of using a word that degrades a whole community of people, why don’t you learn a better way to express yourself without the negativity. Even with that, Hill remained focused and chimed in with how he felt about the negative reactions.

Hill's Response

Very necessary, indeed. Sorry to disappoint the homophobes out there but the $100,000 slap on the wrist that Bryant received at the hands of the NBA Commissioner, along with Rick Welts’ recent coming out is sending out a signal loud and clear. The times of athletes being able to use homophobic language and getting away with it unscathed are numbered.  It is time for those against it to embrace the new era or get left behind – it’s your choice. At the same, it seems that professional sports appear to be moving forward – finally.

Source

Rick Welts, the president and chief executive of the Phoenix Suns, has a career that has spanned over 40 years in professional sports has decided to come out about his sexual orientation. Welts admission is rare in the professional sports arena, where players are often chided if they side with LGBT efforts, their sexuality notwithstanding. By coming out of the closet, Welts is one of the few that remains employed in the sports arena and happens to be open about their sexuality at the same time.

“This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits. Nobody’s comfortable in engaging in a

Rick Welts from Suns website

conversation,” Welts stated in the New York Times.

Welts, 58, started his career as a ball boy for the Seattle Supersonics, decided to come out because he wants to permeate the silence that shrouds professional sports. Not only that, Welts also decided to open up about his orientation in order to be a mentor to gay people that have questions about being out in such masculine dominated field. This decision was a long one with Welts having a series of meetings with David Stern, commissioner of the National Basketball Association, retired NBA player, Bill Russell, Val Ackerman and Steve Nash. Afterward, Welts moved forward with his decision.

Stern, one of Welts’ closest friends wasn’t surprised by his admission, vowing that he will be there in whatever way to help.

“I think there’s a good chance the world will find this unremarkable. I don’t know if I was confusing my thoughts with my hopes.”

Russell, who is notorious for not granting interviews, has also extended support to Welts by agreeing to talk to a reporter, along with Suns forward, Nash.

“Anyone who’s not ready for this needs to catch up. “He’s doing anyone who’s not ready for this a favor.”

Welts, who has had an exorbitant amount of success in his chosen career, also had his share of losses behind the scenes. In 1994, Welts lost his longtime partner Arnie, to AIDS complications – instead of taking time off to properly mourn; Welts, instead hid his feelings and went back to work after a couple of days.

“This was a loss that Rick had to suffer entirely on his own,” Mr. Stern told the NYT.

Welts also had to deal with having his partner leave him, at the time that he was the most successful, due to his being in the closet, which he later regretted.

Ironically enough, the day after Welts’ meeting with Nash the NBA began filming a public-service announcement with Grant Hill and Jared Dudley against the use of hurtful language in sports. Later on that night, Kobe Bryant during a playoff game yelled a homophobic slur directed towards a referee, a word that ended up costing the ball player $100,000.

Source

Image via Wikipedia

05/13/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo sat down with ESPN’s Outside the Lines to discuss his support of marriage equality and the lack of professional athletes willing to come out and take a stand.

Ayanbadejo made a splash earlier this year, after he filmed his video for marriage equality and with the recent admission of pro hockey player Sean Avery‘s stance for equal marriage – it is nice to hear athletes in the limelight who are not afraid to express their opinion. Even though, there has been some backlash stemming from Avery’s admission, along with several sports entities getting in trouble for using homophobic language (i.e. Kobe Bryant – who got SWEPT in the NBA finals, by the way, WOOHOO!) during games – it appears both Avery and Ayanbadejo are comfortable enough with themselves in order to lend a hand in support.

Even though, sports athletes are looked at as heroes and those that others look up and inspire to –most seem unworthy of that adulation, Avery and Ayanbadejo (and a few others) are a welcome change, due to the fact that they are speaking for all people that make up society – let’s hope that more professional athletes soon follow their lead.

Canada may be more liberal when it comes to certain issues but it appears not everything is as open, like we are made to believe especially in the land of sports. With NHL player Sean Avery’s pro-gay video endorsement, he became one of the few athletes willing to speak out for marriage equality. Even though Avery’s endorsement has been receiving mostly positive reviews, others involved in the NHL aren’t too keen on his views on marriage equality.

Monday evening, Uptown Sports Management, an Ontario-based sports player agency took to their Twitter account to give their rebuttal to Avery’s stance.

Reynolds on Uptown Management Twitter

It was quickly found out that the tweets were coming from Todd Reynolds, the vice president of the sports agency. In the tweets, Reynolds reveals that he is “very sad to read Sean Avery’s misguided support of same-gender ‘marriage’. Legal or not, it will always be wrong.”

Apparently, Reynolds didn’t feel it was misguided to use a professional Twitter account to spout out a personal opinion and not one the entire agency necessarily believed in.

Reynolds, who is still acting as the voice for the sports agency continues on, expressing that this is not about hate or bigotry (because he’s not – of course), since he’s believes everyone is equal.

So you believe that the LGBT community are “equals”, just not equals that can engage in marriage because “it will always be wrong.”

Nice to know you believe you aren’t a bigot because you are probably the only one that is buying in to what you are saying.  Especially since the definition of bigotry explicitly states that it is a “stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.”

So, what would Reynolds like for others to call him? Okay, he’s honest but a lot of bigoted people are honest – so what is he trying to prove? The only thing Reynolds was capable of showing is that not only is he close-minded but he is unprofessional, using a business handle to showcase your personal rhetoric shows lack of tact and class. Not only that, his actions might have compromised some of his clients – even if he doesn’t think so. During an interview with Cybulski & Company on TSN Radio, Reynolds addressed his tweeting and any impact that it may have had on his clients.

“There’s certainly a voice for the other side on this particular issue. I was merely responding to be the other voice. I believe in standing up for what you believe in. I’m passionate about what I believe in. And I believe in morality and I believe in right and wrong. I know many people with different viewpoints for what is right and wrong.

“But I’m a little disappointed in some of the response. If you oppose a viewpoint, you’re immediately targeted by some people as a hater, a bigot, intolerant, homophobic and many other terms. That’s obviously not the case for people who know me. … I don’t hate anyone.”

Let’s keep it real, Reynolds. You may not hate the person directly but you do hate their choice in lifestyle and wanting to share in the same privilege that you are allowed to partake in.

“And I’m certainly not a bigot. But I believe in marriage between one man and one woman. It’s a social debate that’s raged on for quite some time. In Canada and the U.S. it’s a hot-button topic right now. I guess maybe it was how I was raised. I believe in voicing your opinion and not being part of the silent majority.”

Nothing wrong with voicing your opinion just prepare for others to voice their opinions, since you felt the need to share your own.

“I’ve already been asked, ‘What if some of your clients don’t agree with this decision?’ Well, that’s fine. We’re going to disagree on all kinds of issues in life. But we have to be able to talk about them.”

Or Tweet about them under a business name.

“… If Mike Fisher or any other client of ours agrees or disagrees, is of no consequence. Nor should they feel the need to comment on it. But I feel Sean Avery or any other player can comment on one side of the discussion … why can I not comment on it as well?”

He used a business name as the platform for his agenda and only when he was found out did he try to address it personally. Commenting personally is one thing, Avery commented on his stance but he didn’t use the New York Rangers Twitter account or anything that would have you think that the entire NHL team was behind him. He spoke out on his own – you know it was him; he didn’t hide, Reynolds can’t say the same.

If you are an athlete, you have undoubtedly sustained some type of injury, yet the extent can obviously vary. Some roll an ankle, sit out a week, and then they are back. Others pull a muscle or tear ligaments, forcing them to remain inactive for months on end. Then there are the career-ending injuries that we never see coming. We cannot predict, and unfortunately, we cannot prevent. Yet, no matter the degree of the injury, we are affected. Not only do sports provide us with mental stimulation, camaraderie, and competition, for many, it is our only release. Our outlet. Our source of sanity.

On April 16, I endured a second-degree sprain in my left ankle, and being persistent, went back into the game. With five minutes remaining, I was tackled, after the play was finished, in the endzone, completely unprepared, completely tearing my right ACL, needing to be carried off the field.

The following days were hell. I was unable to walk without pain, yet I had to. I had to walk. My left side did not have time to be sore. It did not have the time to feel, experience, or analyze its own pain because it had to be strong for my right. The shooting pain, the needles, the constant ache, and undesired pressure were forcibly ignored because there was something much more traumatic occurring on the other side. One of the two had to be strong. Hold its own. Literally stand up in the face of adversity and fight for the other. One had to brave the pain to sustain the other.

I had surpassed pride. I was unwillingly forced to ask for help.

And not only ask for it, but accept it.

To overcome an injury, we not only need physical strength and healing, but we need to become stronger mentally. We need to know –and believe– that we can and we will overcome the setback. We will come back stronger and more determined and ambitious than we were prior to the life-altering incident.

So, where do you find this mental strength? The most obvious answer is within yourself. With your own knowledge, desire, dedication, and passion for the game. Yet, I get it. With countless setbacks and discouraging news time and time again, it is difficult not to lose sight of your goal and your initial hunger for the end result. To get back to the game. Back to our friends. Back to doing what makes you, you.

And although the endless encouragement and support from family and friends are acknowledged and appreciated, they usually cannot relate to the grave mental stress serious injuries evoke. We need something more.

Teammates. The ones who know you as the competitive athlete you are. The ones who know and have seen the extent to which you have involved your heart, your mind, your body, your soul, only to have it all taken away from you in the matter of seconds.

And for some, more than once. Making it more difficult and more discouraging every time.

Let them in. Let them help you. Let them be there for you because when you start losing sight of your ultimate goal, the end result, what you are fighting for… You will have numerous people there to remind you.

You are fighting a worthwhile battle.

And so are they. Remember, not only do you have to allow them to be there for you, but you have to be there for them. Support them. Be who you would want them to be if you were in their place. Be their number one fan. Support. Guide. Teach. Believe.

And after reviewing this article, I feel as though I have cheated you, as there have been no gay references.

So I shall conclude with this…

The majority of gay-thletes desire to have the demeanor of a badass. But, lez get real, we’re a bunch of pussies. When we are sick and/or hurt, we want to be waited on, hand and foot; we desire every ounce of your attention. So, Ladies, wait on your injured woman. Baby her. You never know when you will need her to return the favor.

Questions? Comments? Have a topic you want me to write on? Email me at theunluckyfox@gmail.com.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

05/01/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Braves pitching coach, Roger McDowell has been suspended for two weeks without pay for allegedly hurling homophobic slurs at a family during a baseball game. On top of the supsension without pay, McDowell was also fined an undisclosed amount of money

Bob Selig, commissioner, issued a statement today discussing recent events:

“Conduct by people associated with MLB that shows insensitivity to others simply cannot and will not be tolerated.”

McDowell, himself also came out issuing an apology for his outlandish actions.

“I understand the decision made today by the Commissioner. I am embarrassed by my actions and I plan to give a personal apology to Mr. Quinn and his family.”

Gloria Allred, all-star attorney has been upfront with her views on both McDowell’s antics and his punishment from MLB.

“The fact that Coach McDowell will be subjected to an unprecedented two-week suspension, be required to take sensitivity training and be fined, demonstrates that Major League Baseball believes that homophobic slurs, sexually lewd conduct and threatening behavior by Coaches or any other person employed at a game in the Major League will not be tolerated,” the attorney disclosed to TMZ.

Related articles

• Atlanta Braves Coach Takes His Turn Batting Homophobic Slurs (lezgetreal.com)
• Atlanta Braves Suspend Pitching Coach Over Anti-Gay Slurs Directed At Fans (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Braves place McDowell on ‘administrative leave’ as baseball team investigates homophobic comments (miamiherald.typepad.com)

During a press conference today, Justin Quinn accused Roger McDowell, the Atlanta Braves pitching coach, of using homophobic slurs and gestures in his front of his two,

McDowell

9-year-old daughters.

Quinn, who is now being represented by celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, told those at the press conference that McDowell asked a group of male fans, “Are you a homo couple or a threesome?”

Excerpt from TMZ:

Mega-attorney Gloria Allred announced the allegations moments ago in a news conference — representing a family of four (including two 9-year-old girls) who claim they watched McDowell make the homophobic remark and then use a baseball bat to simulate gay sex.

According to Allred, the family claims they also witnessed McDowell tell the group of male fans, “Are you three giving it to each other in the a**?”

The father claims he confronted McDowell from the stands — and McDowell responded by saying, “Kids don’t f**king belong at the baseball park” … and then approached him with a baseball bat, saying, “How much are your teeth worth?”

McDowell, later released a press release, in which he apologized for his actions.

“I am deeply sorry that I responded to the heckling fans in San Francisco on Saturday. I apologize to everyone for my actions.”

Quinn hinted that he may pursue legal action, with Allred demanding that not only should McDowell pay a fine but that he should undergo sensitivity training.

This comes on the heels of NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant’s use of a homophobic slur during a recent game.

Related articles

• Atlanta Braves Coach — Accused of Hurling Gay Slurs (tmz.com)
• Former Mets pitcher McDowell accused of hurling gay slurs at Giants fans (nypost.com)
• Gloria Allred: Major League Baseball Coach Used Anti-Gay Slur (towleroad.com)

Image via Wikipedia

04/26/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Openly gay, former NBA player John Amaechi was interviewed by the David Pakman show where he discussed his NY Times article, Kobe Bryant‘s fine of $100,000 for the homophobic slur he yelled during a game, how he felt about the state of gay acceptance in the NBA, and how he feels when people say “gay is the new black”.

Amaechi, who has met his own share of homophobia due to coming out in his book after his retirement, with ex-basketball player, Tim Hardaway coming out against homosexuals in basketball.

“You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don’t like gay people and I don’t like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don’t like it. It shouldn’t be in the world or in the United States.”

Questioned on whether he felt that Bryant was truly sorry – he, at first, believed that Bryant was giving a “Glenn Beck” type of apology, in that he believed Bryant was sorry about how others were reacting not about what he said. Being that it took Bryant two 0r three times to make the official “I’m sorry” seems to show similar thinking.

Amaechi also discussed his thoughts about those that feel being gay right now is synonymous to being black due to how black LGBT members are marginalized even further in black society. Amaechi feels that phrase only serves the bigoted minorities purpose causing the groups to be at odds with each other. Expanding further, he also mentioned that being both black and LGBT you are put in a bind because you don’t fit in the mainstream anywhere and it may be hard for you to find your niche. Amaechi also mentioned that the LGBT community needs to be more inclusive and that the term “black” means much more than just “guys listening to hip-hop with pants down their ass.”

Image via Wikipedia

04/25/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Something may be amiss at Brigham Young University – it seems a case has been brought up regarding the school’s strict “honor code” and how it seems to be more strict with minority students.

Many of the athletes are accusing the Mormon led school of “baiting and switching” when it comes to their recruiting methods. The players cited that when they were being approached by the school, BYU painted themselves like any other college campus.

One could assume, when BYU said “other”, the future students thought they would be engaging in plenty of late night reverie and a little bit of studying. Unfortunately, that was not the case when they officially decided to attend the school and the honor code came into play.

The BYU honor code bars premarital sex, drinking and anything else that a college student would find entertaining or fun.

One of the cases being used for the case involves a group of player’s in 2004, that were mostly African-American that after participating in a recruiting engagement, the men gathered at one of the player’s house and had oral sex with a female student. Word quickly got out, causing running back Thomas Stancil, along with several other players to get suspended from the school.

“That’s not being realistic. You are not recruiting angels,” Stancil told the Salt Lake Tribune.

“You’re going to the ghettos to get athletes, a black athlete who has been around poverty, sex and drugs. You put a meal ticket in front of his face, full-ride scholarship, good school, [say] you get to live a great life, but you have to follow these rules. I’m going to sign that paper like it’s nothing. I’m not even 18 years old.”

An analysis in Deadspin found that since 1993, there have been at least 70 athletes suspended, dismissed or put on probation for violating BYU’s honor code. Out of those, a little under 60 percent were African-American men, the overall minority percentage at BYU is 23 percent with African-Americans making up 0.6 of that number.

At the same time, the fault may lie on both ends; the school for not being forthcoming about their honor code and Mormon based theology and the incoming athletes for not researching their options prior to signing on the dotted line.

Related articles

• Is BYU’s Honor Code Racially Biased? (theroot.com)

Image via Wikipedia

04/21/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Kobe Bryant, along with the LA Lakers debuted a Public Service Announcement that will be shown before each of their home games. The PSA has the players discussing all the “different” kinds of people in the world and that “words are hurtful”. This is an attempt to address the homophobic slur that Bryant shouted at a referee during a game last week. The team came together to put this PSA together to show solidarity and support of the issue that has brought a lot of unnecessary attention to the sports team.

Sounds like this is the closest thing the LGBT community will get to an official apology from Bryant.

Image via Wikipedia

04/21/2011 by Cynthia S. Wright

Ted Nugent, a rock star whose celebrity stems more from his outrageous antics over any musical talent, has decided to speak out against the NBA’s judgment on Kobe Bryant against the “most protected” class in the United States – the gays. In an article to the Washington Times, Nugent comes out against Bryant’s fine, because the gays and their political correctness are getting in the way of boys being boys.

“Gay rights groups applaud the decision of the NBA, which must make all the homosexual basketball fans feel peachy and special. Who knows, maybe the NBA will use Mr. Bryant’s $100,000 to buy courtside seats for gay basketball fans. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Show some gay pride, NBA.

Those among us who work tirelessly to shut down (and shout down, if the need arises) speech they disagree with must also be absolutely gay with pride and satisfaction over this fine.”

Nugent tries to use some of his “Uncle Ted” logic to make his point but due to his foolish rhetoric fails to make any sort of concrete sense. Nugent, who finds homosexuality “morally wrong” lets it be known that gay rights are of no importance to his “pro-American” lifestyle. This isn’t about Bryant, per se but it is more about giving Nugent a chance to chime in with his two cents about what he feels is wrong with America – again.

“Think of it: $100,000 for calling someone a name. A simple apology from Mr. Bryant to the referee obviously wasn’t good enough for the NBA.

I doubt Mr. Bryant would have been fined 10 cents had he referred to the referee as a useless Christ on a crucifix soaking in a vat of urine.

No, the real reason Mr. Bryant was fined was because he used an anti-gay term to describe the referee. One has to wonder how much the NBA would have fined Mr. Bryant if, before the game, he had told the referee he ‘looked quite gay’ that night.”

The problem with Nugent’s reasoning – again, is that Bryant demeaned someone by using an insulting slur; which is akin to any other racist word out there. If the “gays” were the protected sect in society, we wouldn’t be having this issue with Bryant because he would have known better. Nugent doesn’t seem to understand  or acknowledge this because it wouldn’t appeal to his “white male privileged” sense of being. So what does he do? He lashes out because he has nothing else going for him. After all, he is the “Nuge” – he is what defines Americana and he is here to defend the rights of all the “moral” citizens.

It is amusing that a figure like Nugent would dare point fingers and cast stones with his very checkered past. How quickly he would like for us to forget that he is a self-admitted Draft Dodger, at first painting himself as an anarchist hero only later to be found out that he applied for student deferment for one year by enrolling in college. A college that he bothered to never attend; instead he opted to go out on tour with his band, never fulfilling his studies or his duty to his “beloved” country. There there was the time in 1978, when Nugent began a relationship with a seventeen-year-old female and that due to age difference they could not marry, so (with the parents consent) he signed papers to become the teenager’s legal guardian. Does that sound like a moral, upright citizen to you?

At the same time, has Nugent ever been held accountable for anything morally wrong that he has ever done? Of course not, because (as much as he would like to not admit) he is a privileged, heterosexual, somewhat famous, white male. One that continually gets a “pass” just like most in the entertainment industries – so, of course he feels threatened by what Bryant is going through because he’s done what Bryant has done and much worse. This is more about Nugent realizing that his foolish daily antics might soon be numbered – which has been long overdue for this crazed rock star.

Related articles

• Rocker Ted Nugent Rips NBA for Fining Kobe Bryant’s Anti-Gay Slur (towleroad.com)
• Quote Of The Day – Ted Nugent (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Uncle Ted’s Douchebag Fever (passthedoucheys.com)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

04/18/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Phoenix Sun forwards, Grant Hill and Jared Dudley shot a PSA for GLSEN’s “Think Before You Speak” campaign last Tuesday – hours before Kobe Bryant used a homophobic slur during the Lakers game.

The PSA is part of the NBA’s partnership with GLSEN, which they hope will urge kids not to use homophobic language.

Related articles

• Watch: NBA Players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley Shoot PSA Against Anti-LGBT Language (towleroad.com)

The symbol of white soul music

The buzz all over the blogosphere is over Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum accusing Arizona State University of spreading a “leftist message” with a video promoting their athletic department. The statement from the brilliant folks at Eagle reads as follows:

“The Sun Devils of ASU are gearing up for this year’s football season with redesigned uniforms and logos. The school is promoting this greatly anticipated change with several YouTube videos. Several of these videos end with an image of a clenched fist. After a second or two, the fist lifts three fingers, turning into the Sun Devil’s “pitchfolk” hand-symbol. The raised fist is a symbol of socialism, communism, and other extreme left-wing organizations, according to Wikipedia. It was first used as the Emblem of the Red Front Fighter’s League of the Communist Party of Germany in 1932 and has since been used by groups such as the Black Panther Party and the Socialist Workers Party of the UK. Why would ASU choose to put a symbol representing left-wing organizations at the end of a video promoting its football teacm? Will this symbol be used to express the Sun Devil’s team spirit or will it continue to communicate its traditional leftist message on the ASU campus?”

Arizona? Seriously? The state with the anti-immigration laws, the birther law, the “eat shit and die” cuts in Medicaid? This would be funny if there weren’t so many uneducated idiots out there who will believe this.

People didn’t just start raising their fists in 1932. It is an ancient symbol of defiance and solidarity.

The Eagle Forum had to look it up in Wikipedia? Really? Does that mean that the symbol is not universally recognized? Probably. And the people who believe in the whole socialism-communism conspiracy theory explanation of the Democratic Party won’t bother to look it up and find out what’s in the rest of the Wikipedia entry - that if the fist is white, it represents the skinhead Aryan Nation, if it’s black is can respresent white soul music and if the fist is red, it represents the red hand of Ulster, the Protestant supremicist movement. Further, the ASU promotional campaign is not limited to their football team. The video I watched was heavily promoting women’s sports, something guaranteed to upset Schlafly who believes that women should be barefoot and pregnant, unless they are Republican activists like herself.

If the raised fist ends with the index finger and pinkie raised, will the Eagle Forum say that is communist or will they instantly recognize it as the symbol for “I love you?” Since they didn’t bother to follow through on their raised fist research, you can probably make book on the former.

Related articles

• Eagle Forum: ASU Promotes Communism (joemygod.blogspot.com)
• Arizona State Unveils Shocking New Football And Basketball Uniforms (sbnation.com)
• Hot topic: ASU’s new football uniforms (offthebench.nbcsports.com)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

04/15/2011 – by Cynthia S. Wright

Yesterday, The Root posted an article by David Kaufman addressing the Kobe Bryant situation. The article titled, “Why Kobe’s Slur Wasn’t Anti-Gay”,  is a well written piece but it seems that Kaufman, like those who choose to support Bryant is trying to downplay the b-ball player’s use of the word “faggot.”

Kaufman expressed, “The real wonder here is how folks could think there is anything to compare in the first place. Without a doubt, Bryant uttered the epithet in anger, but in a fit of homophobia? Not necessarily, at least until we know for certain whether referee Bennie Adams is gay.”

First, let’s stop making excuses.  No more trying to coddle or downplay those things that people in entertainment do, call it what it really is – one of the most prolific basketball players of this era got upset and decided to use a homophobic slur.

Although, there is no concrete proof, one way or the other, concerning Bryant’s homophobia and that Bennie Adams hasn’t come out discussing his sexual orientation, shouldn’t be the point, homophobia shouldn’t fly only if the supposed target is gay themselves. What Bryant did was wrong, plain and simple.

Outside of that, you can’t say within 100% that he’s a stand up guy that just happened to blow his top because a.) His prior record doesn’t show a guy with the best character, and b.) You don’t personally know him (or at least, you didn’t state that). I’ll admit that I don’t, but Bryant did himself a disservice by acting the way that he did.

Yet, the only thing we know is that, Bryant got caught with his hand in the cookie jar – again. It shouldn’t be about the fact that he was caught saying this one time – that we know of – the fact is, out of all the words he could have used, he chose that particular phrase to express his anger.

Furthermore, during his initial apology, never once did he utter the words “I’m sorry.” Instead, the public received this:

“What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone.”

At that point in time, did Bryant sound like he was sorry? No, he was trying to cover his tracks before his punishment was doled out to him. Was it great that he got slapped with a $100,000 fine (which he plans to appeal) – it sure was – but does it make his actions okay? No, it doesn’t and if he has to be used as an example in basketball, than so be it.

So, why are the LGBT blogs in uproar, the same reason why any black blog would be upset if the term “nigger” was used and this is coming from a gay, black female. A black female that is tired of all the excuses that people so happily give entertainers or those with an exorbitant amount of money unlimited passes. Watching Bryant utter that phrase, it might as well have been a white dude saying the word “nigger” because the outcome (to me) was still the same. In this day in age, we all should know better  – racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism – there are no more excuses, it shouldn’t matter who you are and how much you are fiscally worth.

Not to even mention, white sports entertainers have been called on the carpet as of late as well. Not only did wrestler John Cena of the WWE get in trouble for his use of homophobic slurs, but after the WWE agreed to work with GLAAD to promote equality within wrestling, Michael Cole came along and uttered the same slur as Bryant on Twitter. The difference between Bryant and Cole, though (outside of their race) is that Cole admitted up to his stupidity and apologized on Twitter for the world to see.

No matter how you try to slice or compare, it is still messed up, it still stings – I would have felt it either way because as a black female, I already feel marginalized, throw being gay on top of that – not only do I run the chance of being ostracized by my own community; but I’m also expected to turn the other cheek because some overrated basketball player can’t control his temper and yelled “faggot.” Now, would I say “faggot” is the new “nigger” – not exactly but in most cases, homophobic slurs get more of a pass in modern day society and as someone who proudly identifies as both black and gay – I typically feel the brunt of it and it is not okay.

I need the black population to listen and acknowledge, the same way we get angry at some whites that exhibit “white privilege”;  heterosexual blacks have that same type of mindset when it comes to how they view oppression – maybe it has to do with how (by our own admission) we aren’t comfortable with the gay lifestyle and that we are even more uncomfortable if a white person dares to talk to us about oppression. Still, the fact of the matter is, whether others want to admit it or not, the fact that Bryant expressed himself in that particular way does show his character and it’s not pretty. Hopefully, with all this negative attention,  Bryant will learn to be more accountable for what he says, instead of continuously thinking he’ll be able to walk away unscathed with his reputation intact.

Related articles

• Kobe Bryant To Pay $100,000 For Anti-Gay Slur (lezgetreal.com)
• ‘Not representative’: Lakers, NBA to work with GLAAD in aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s ‘faggot’ slur (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• NBA fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 for ‘f—ing faggot’ slur against basketball referee (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• HRC, GLAAD criticize LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant for apparently calling referee a ‘f—ing faggot’ (miamiherald.typepad.com)

Wannabe bad boy Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 fine for uttering a homophobic slur towards referee Bennie Adams during the Lakers game against the Spurs on Tuesday.

So Masculine

After the game, which was aired live on TV, Bryant was soon made to acknowledge his antics by issuing an apology – yet, at the same time – downplaying his role in the incident.

“What I said last night should not be taken literally.  My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone.”

Unfortunately, he did. Not only that, Bryant’s “slip-up” happened around the same time that the NBA was planning a service announcement alongside the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, showing that the NBA is – in fact – more gay friendly.  The joint announcement is set to air during Finals and is appropriately titled the “Think Before You Speak” campaign.

Seems like Bryant didn’t get a memo or maybe his hissy-fit clouded his memory.

Bryant told ESPN radio that he plans to appeal the fine, due to the fact that he was frustrated during the game. Even though, that excuse might fly with some of the hardcore Bryant fans, NBA Commissioner, David Stern is not buying it.

“While I’m fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated,” stated Stern.

This forces Bryant to realize that his actions do have consequences. Hopefully, this incident will open up a dialogue pertaining to how homosexuality is often viewed in sports. Also, with Bryant having to pay a stiff penalty of 100K that alone should send out a signal that the NBA will no longer tolerate any form of intolerance – let’s hope that other sports soon follow suit.

Update: Apparently, gay basketball league, Lambda League has requested Bryant’s presence at one of their basketball games to prove his support to the LGBT community. Also, get this – if Bryant takes them up on the offer, they will even comp his tickets, TMZ reports.

Related articles

• NBA fines Kobe Bryant $100,000 for ‘f—ing faggot’ slur against basketball referee (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• Kobe Bryant fined $100,000 for gay slur (With Miami Herald web poll: How do you feel about the fine?) (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• Kobe Bryant Fined $100,000 for Anti-Gay Slur (towleroad.com)

With all the hoopla surrounding the WWE and their use of homophobic slurs, acclaimed rocket scientist masked as professional

Kobe in one of his masculine poses

NBA Los Angeles Laker baller Kobe Bryant decided to open his mouth and blurt out one of his own. After all, his actual playing is garnering him no positive press, perhaps he felt this was only option.

So, Kobe with his silver spoon and 5 NBA Championship rings decided that he had enough of people picking on him, namely the referee Bennie Adams. God forbid, that a referee be allowed to his actual job, well Bryant felt that Adams was treating him unfairly.  Of course, being Bryant, he never at once thought he might have actually deserved the technical foul that landed him on the bench.

After being made to sit out, Bryant stormed to the bench, plopped down and yelled a homophobic slur towards Adams. Luckily for Bryant, it was all caught on video, so there is actual proof of his slip of the tongue. Yet, anyone that knows Bryant and his history knows that this type of activity isn’t too far-fetched for the coddled basketball player, so the fall out from this shouldn’t be of anything new to him.

Chicago Bull veteran turned announcer, Steve Kerr noticed Bryant’s tantrum telling the cameraman: “You might wanna take the cameras off of him right now, for the children watching from home.” How about the people that would be offended by Bryant’s tirade? Let’s not forget about them.

Apparently GLAAD didn’t because they soon issued a press release about last night’s occurrence.

“Discriminatory slurs have no place on or off the court,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “Professional sports players need

Kobe in his OTHER masculine pose

to set a better example for young people who use words like this on the playground and in our schools, creating a climate of intolerance and hostility. The LA Lakers have a responsibility to educate their fans about why this word is unacceptable.”

The Human Rights Campaign spoke with TMZ about Kobe’s outburst, “What a disgrace for Kobe Bryant to use such horribly offensive and distasteful language, especially when millions of people are watching.”

Neither the NBA nor the Lakers have commented on the matter.

You would think with as much trouble Bryant has been involved with in recent years, he would have learned to keep his mouth shut but then again, this is Kobe Bryant – he probably thinks he’ll be able to buy his way out of this one like everything else.

Related articles

• Kobe Bryant’s Antigay Tirade (advocate.com)
• HRC, GLAAD criticize LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant for apparently calling referee a ‘f—ing faggot’ (miamiherald.typepad.com)
• Kobe Bryant used a gay slur (probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com)