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Football (American) Hub



04/19/2007


Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Would Welcome a Gay Player

KraftNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated to reporters over the weekend that he would welcome a gay player to the team:

"We’re about winning, and [if] someone can come in here and help us win. I don’t care what ethnic background, what racial background, what gender preference they have, if they can help us win and they’re about team then I’ll be happy to have them here."

Of Jason Collins, Kraft said: "My hearty congratulations to him."


Esera Tuaolo and Brendon Ayanbadejo Discuss Gay Pro Athletes on 'Face the Nation': VIDEO

Ftn

Gay former NFL player Esera Tuaolo and NFL free agent and LGBT ally Brendon Ayanbadejo joined Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation this morning to talk about Jason Collins' coming out and what it means for the future of LGBT people and pro sports.

Said Tuaolo:

"What kept me from playing to my full potential is what people need to realize. When you're in the closet and you're living with this crippling secret, you're living with depression, you're living with suicidal tendencies, you're living with blackouts, you're living with stress. That's what I played with, and it was very difficult to play to the best of my ability, to the fullest of my potential when you're carrying all of that with you. What Jason did was absolutely amazing. And I can relate with him when he said when he came out he felt complete. He felt whole."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

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NFL Player Asante Samuel Wishes Gays Wouldn't 'Flaunt' Their Sexuality: VIDEO

Samuel

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel told FOX Sports Radio that he doesn't understand why gays have to flaunt their sexuality when asked about NBA center Jason Collins.

Said Samuel:

"Straight people are not announcing they're straight, so why does everybody have to announce their sexuality or whatever? You know, what they prefer...So that's just how I see it. That's my opinion on things. All respect you know, I have nothing but respect for the people whoever decisions they make and whatever, but you know, you don't have to show it and flaunt it like that. You know what I'm saying, we have kids out here, too."

Samuel was asked about the remarks today on ESPN:

He added: "I don't think it's something we have to express and let be known of what my sexuality preference is - just stick to sports....I don't want to teach my kids those things. I teach my kids God. You know, how God lives his life."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Indianapolis Colts Players Support Gays in NFL, Jason Collins: VIDEO

Mcafee

The Indianapolis Star stepped into the locker room of the Colts to see how they felt about Jason Collins' coming out and what it would be like if a similar thing happened in the NFL.

The players they talked to — Pat McAfee, Reggie Wayne, Cory Redding, T.Y. Hilton, and Greg Toler were unanimous in their opinions — it's a good thing, they'd have a gay player's back, and they're happy for Jason Collins.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

It wasn't so long ago that the Colts' image among gays was tarnished by then coach Tony Dungy, who was repeatedly involved in fundraisers for anti-gay groups. So this is great to see.

Said McAfee (above): “I think it’s a generational thing. Our locker room, a younger generation, is very much more accepting because we’ve been around more gay people. In the recent years, gay folks have been much more open. A lot of us have gay friends and we kind of understand that they’re just like us, they’re just interested in different things.”

Toler

Continue reading "Indianapolis Colts Players Support Gays in NFL, Jason Collins: VIDEO" »


Is Minnesota Viking and LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe Being Pushed Out for a Punter with Fewer 'Distractions'?

Locke

Steve mentioned this briefly yesterday. On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings drafted UCLA punter Jeff Locke in the fifth round, a move that Chris Kluwe sees as writing on the wall that he may be on his way out, and that the reason for his exit will be "distractions" related to activism for LGBT civil rights, NBC Sports' Mike Florio reports:

Chr_kluweOf course, the distractions weren’t a problem when Kluwe was staying up very late playing Guitar Hero and Worlds of Warcraft, or staying out very late on Friday night doing shows with his band.  After Kluwe opted to get behind a controversial social cause while also getting to bed at a decent hour, the team opted to acquire a player who, given that he was selected in round five, will likely have the field tilted in his favor when it comes to determining whether he or Kluwe gets the Water Pik.

Sound  familiar? Florio adds:

Ayanbadejo, after he was cut by the Ravens, suggested that the decision was influenced by his support for same-sex marriage.  Ayanbadejo then retracted that sentiment, perhaps realizing it could keep him from getting an NFL job elsewhere.

Kluwe told Florio: “It’s a shame that in a league with players given multiple second chances after arrests, including felony arrests, that speaking out on human rights has a chance of getting you cut,” Kluwe told PFT via text message.


NFL to Reinforce Policies Against Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation

After discussions with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who last month expressed concern over reports that potentional recruits at the NFL Combine were being asked questions to possibly determine whether or not they are gay, the NFL has announced it will be reinforcing policies against discrimination based on sexual orientation, ESPN reports:

KasaThe league will circulate its policy to all 32 teams and hang posters in locker rooms explaining the anti-discrimination rules. In addition, the NFL will hold training sessions for league personnel, including rookies and those responsible for hiring and recruiting new players.

The NFL also said it would strengthen its protocols for reporting incidents of discrimination or harassment.

"The NFL has a long history of valuing diversity and inclusion," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation is not consistent with our values and is unacceptable in the National Football League."

After investigating, the NFL said it found "no specific violations" at the Combine regarding inappropriate questioning.





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