Jason Collins becomes the first openly gay player in major American pro sports

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by worth

The climate in Canada vs. the US is very different. I don't think most people think it's a big deal here, but I think this is a huge deal in the States. I think this will be a problem for him next year unfortunately.

There is probably some truth to that. I am fairly certain that Angela James is the first openly gay inductee into a major sports hall of fame, yet that fact was completely lost under the fact that she and Granato were the first two women inducted into the HHOF. Her gender was considered the far greater story than her orientation.

However, if a player on one of the seven NHL teams came out, it would be a Very Big Deal. Good for Collins for being the first though. Given the place he is at in his career, he might be in the best position to take that step. Little to lose, lots to gain, and the ability to make a positive, lasting impact.

[SeeBass]

So he would be the third gay Wizard after Gandolf and Dumbledore

[MRCboicgy]

And here's the first athlete to tweet before thinking

http://deadspin.com/mike-wallace-has...ium=socialflow

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

And here's the first athlete to tweet before thinking

http://deadspin.com/mike-wallace-has...ium=socialflow

Will be interesting to see if he goes with the "my twitter was hacked" response.

[Stay Golden]

I would like the first openly Bi Cheer leader to come out

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by fotze

I see what you are saying, but to take apositive spin. The fact people are accusing him of doing this to BETTER his career means we have come a long way in not many years.

Hell, five years ago, if someone in the NBA was thinking to their agent "I'm going to come out, to boost my sagging career", the agent would have said "Are you fataing nuts".

Its also funny how the celebs are scrambling to be the first ones to congratulate their 'dear friend" on coming out. Its ridiculous, but ridiculous in a much more positive way than we have seen in the very recent past.

I am actually suprised how fast the world has accepted these things (if my pulse on the world is accurate which it probably isn't). I thought it would take decades.

Fair point. We ARE living at a time when "leaking" your own sex tape can boost your career or even create one from nothing.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

It's taken a long time for something like this to happen but the timing seems about right.

If anyone is interested, in June, 2001 - 12 years ago - when I was writing columns for Calgarypuck, I penned some thoughts on the probability of gays in the NHL and what might happen when someone finally stepped forward. The column is at this link:

http://www.calgarypuck.com/archive/Charlton_060401.htm

I'd say the climate in popular culture is now about right for such disclosure versus what it was back then.

I'd expect Collins to do just fine and not have much in the way of repercussions. In fact, he may find endorsements, etc easier to come by.

It will be interesting to watch.

Cowperson

It's a shame we don't have some of the threads discussing the topic still available. I vividly remember some long term posters with disgusting comments.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

It's a shame we don't have some of the threads discussing the topic still available. I vividly remember some long term posters with disgusting comments.

True as that may be, people should be allowed to evolve and change their mind over time, particularly 12 years. I certainly admit to saying "That's so gay" or "fag" hundreds of times over growing up, but I've (hopefully) evolved.

[SeeGeeWhy]

He'll probably face more reaction from spectators than those in the sport itself.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

And here's the first athlete to tweet before thinking

http://deadspin.com/mike-wallace-has...ium=socialflow

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Will be interesting to see if he goes with the "my twitter was hacked" response.

He's just saying that he doesn't understand how a man can be sexually-attracted to another man.

If acceptance is the ultimate goal, then the ability for people to question the parts they don't understand has to be part of the process.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I don't see anything wrong with his tweets. He's specifically saying that he's not intending to bash anyone, and that he doesn't have a problem with someone being gay... he just doesn't understand how a man can be sexually-attracted to another man.

If acceptance is the ultimate goal, then the ability for people to question the parts they don't understand has to be part of the process.

Yes, because types of statments are never immediately followed by the types of statements that someone who is intending to bash people, and has a problem with someone being gay, would say.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

He's just saying that he doesn't understand how a man can be sexually-attracted to another man.

Taken literally, you are right about what he said, but there's more to it than that. Unless he's constantly questioning why all women aren't lesbians, the implication of what he's saying is that men are supposed to be attracted to women, but that something is wrong with Jason Collins. I don't think that he meant any offense by his comment, but it's still incredibly ignorant.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

Yes, because types of statments are never immediately followed by the types of statements that someone who is intending to bash people, and has a problem with someone being gay, would say.

Not always. Sometimes, based on the sensitivity of the issue, it's important to indicate your intentions prior to making your statement, or asking your question. It always take two people to offend someone: the saying something, and the person hearing it.

In this case, the guy is merely wondering how a man can be sexually attracted to another man. He's not disrespectful, and he's not being a jackass about it. He's being honest. It's an honest reaction. You can't just demand that he accept it without answering his questions.

Acceptance comes from understanding, not ignoring.

[MRCboicgy]

Ok then, how about Alphonso Smith of the Detroit Lions

https://twitter.com/AlphonsoSmith2/
Come OUT or NOT- there will be no PATS on the BACK coming from this way- Pats on the back only influence other weak minds to indulge! SMH

or this one

straight up though- its almost like being gay is the "new cool thing" to do! Hence, the influx of gays out there! Crazy

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by gargamel

Taken literally, you are right about what he said, but there's more to it than that. Unless he's constantly questioning why all women aren't lesbians, the implication of what he's saying is that men are supposed to be attracted to women, but that something is wrong with Jason Collins. I don't think that he meant any offense by his comment, but it's still incredibly ignorant.

If that's the worst comment in all of this, that's a huge plus. He also apologized quickly and I honestly don't think he meant it in a mean spirited way. I think it was just ignorance.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by FlamingLonghorn

If that's the worst comment in all of this, that's a huge plus.

Sadly, it's not. Several Christian athletes (including the one that MRCboicgy quoted) have made some pretty disgusting comments today.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Ok then, how about Alphonso Smith of the Detroit Lions

https://twitter.com/AlphonsoSmith2/
Come OUT or NOT- there will be no PATS on the BACK coming from this way- Pats on the back only influence other weak minds to indulge! SMH

or this one

straight up though- its almost like being gay is the "new cool thing" to do! Hence, the influx of gays out there! Crazy

Here's another of his...

@AlphonsoSmith2: some ppl are gay just because of how cool it appears-BC people are praising it & it's acceptable

[Coach]

What's SMH?

[pylon]

@AlphonsoSmith2: some ppl are gay just because of how cool it appears-BC people are praising it & it's acceptable

Because it is perfectly acceptable.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by MattyC

What's SMH?

Shaking my head