Why does it matter if a player is gay?

Question

With everyone making a big deal about an ex player coming out, why should it matter? Do people really care about sexual orientation when it comes to sports? He isn't hurting anyone else, he's not doing drugs, he's not cheating on his taxes, but it is a huge deal.

Are we as a society so intolerant that this is such a problem?

Answer 1

apparently it does matter because the four major leagues have a macho image to protect.

even if these leagues claim that they do not discriminate people of different sexual orientation, their peers ostracise and isolate them.

Answer 2

I don't think that it should be a big deal, if some athlete admits he's gay, that's his choice, and he has the rights to be, the 2 athletes I would understand bout not wanting a gay teammate is a QB and a C in NFL, cause if C or the QB of an NFL team was gay, the other 1 would prefer to do shotgun formation on almost every single play to keep the QB's hands away from u know what, but other than that, no athletes should take it that serious, just like Charles Barkley made his point perfect on PTi the other day bout how he plays bball in his backyard and has friends and knows a bunch of gay guys he's played pick-up and in the nba against

Answer 3

We as a society are tolerant, but the sports culture isn't. Why do you think these players come out after they retire? No one on their teams would be that accepting of gay athletes if they came out duirng their careers. To an extent, it is a trust issue. If a guy (or woman) hides their sexuality while they are on a team, what else are they hiding? The sports world is still a macho one, to this day. Look at the abuse Sheldon Kennedy received after he disclosed he was molested by his coach in juniors. Some opposing players would call him names, as would idiot fans. Look at what Michael Jordan did to Kwame Brown. In front of teammates, Jordan called Brown a "flaming ******". While it is unknown if Brown is gay or not, it certainly didn't help his standing with his teammates. Kordell Stewart for many years dodged the gay issue as well. Besides, if an athlete were to come out during their career, it will hurt their endorsement potential. Remember, while we live in more tolerant times, there are numbers of small minded people who would take exception to a homosexual promoting a product. While I am not gay, I can sympathize with being discriminated against. Trust me, it is not pretty.

Answer 4

as a society no, look at how some major metropolitan areas have a large gay contingent or need that support in order to get elected to local offices...but in the testosterone driven realm of major male sports there would be too much to lose for sponsors to take a stand that the field really is level for people to come out...as a prior poster mentioned, major sponsors would shy from having a gay as a pitch man...and the locker room mentality IS such that someone who came out would be treated differently , changing team chemistry...

Answer 5

because of the society that we live in. whenever the issue is brought up a player usually says that he would have a problem with it (having a gay teammate) or 'its his business...as long as he doesnt try anything with me' ...which actually just seems like the first reaction but in a way that would not endorse it and protect the player's standing as a heterosexual.

hell, mike piazza had to call a press conference to tell everyone he wasnt gay.

sexual orientation, as with race, will always be an issue when it comes to sports.

Answer 6

i think that akers comments, have been quite reality, yet its no longer what Australia needs to pay attention, what the AFL needs to pay attention. Society is attempting to go far flung from homophobia yet male ruled activities like AFL are basically no longer there yet, Like his article mentioned, he has performed with a gay guy in the previous, and It grew to become into awkward, they enjoyed him, whether it created dressing room stress, & and you may recover from it or all that bullshit yet human beings can't help how they sense (basically such as you cant help being gay). i'm no longer homophobic, yet maximum actually the only reason that all and sundry distanced themselves from akers comments is that its via fact its no longer what society needs to pay attention, yet I assure maximum adult men who play footy who're quickly would locate it quite awkward. i'd say provide it yet another 5 years perchance in the previous this manner of difficulty could be completed ideal, like think of how followers will react, like of an opposing group whilst they drink shouting gay feedback at a participant who's gay, and it would ensue. AFL heavily isn't waiting for it yet.

Answer 7

yeah you're right... it doesnt matter. i could care less if a player is gay... all i care about is them as a PLAYER. i mean come on, being gay doesnt make you any more or any less of an athlete. we live in a very ignorant, close-minded, homophobic society. it sucks but some people are just afraid of what they dont know or understand. i respect amaechi though for coming out because its never easy especially in his situation.

Answer 8

It doesn't matter to me. Don't know why it's such a big deal that Amaechi is gay, I don't really care.

Answer 9

I think the only reason athletes have a problem with it is just because of the whole "group shower" thing. Any way you slice it, someone's looking at you and could possibly be aroused. Shouldn't be that big of a deal though since most of us guys look the same way if not worse at women whether they have their clothes on or not.

Answer 10

i would have no problem with it but it might make some of the player and coaches fell uncomtorable likewhen you box out or something like that when theres contact and could be mistaken for flerting