It isn’t very often that something on any of the sports channels would catch my attention. Okay actually it never really happens. I just don’t have much interest in sports.
To be honest though, I have been caught up in soccer games. Something about stopping for a break every 30 seconds or constantly switching out players bores me.
The other day I was flipping through channels and I got a phone call. I try to pay attention fully to people because I think its courteous and because I never know when I can learn something new. So I stopped changing channels and had my conversation. When it ended and I went back to the television, I happened to have caught the opening of a “special” show. It wasn’t one of the regular programs so I am guessing it was a special presentation. The show was called The Last Barrier. If you’d like to read more about it and see some clips CLICK HERE. I recommend watching the Chris Kluwe section.
The reason it piqued my interest was that the subject matter was about gay athletes.
You see I have always believed the myth: that most professional sports players are hyper-macho and intolerant especially when it came to football and basketball . It turns out that most of the people they spoke with, from former players that have come out of the closet, sports broadcasters, and current players, are of the same mindset as myself when it comes to anything.
I believe if the person has the capabilities to perform a job, any job, well, then they should be able to do the job in question. It doesn’t matter what their personal life may be.
It is comforting to know that the views have shifted in this environment.
The program spoke about the ramifications if an athlete in the prime of their career were to come out. It was surprising to hear how many of the people they interviewed said it wouldn’t be an issue if the player continued to contribute to winning the game. The program also spoke to the possible public reaction, the media frenzy that would ensue, and how tough it would be for the first athlete to come out versus the ones that do it after.
It was an intriguing program and I was surprised to see the list of the ones that are currently known.
Also, big props to the You Can Play Project that is at the forefront of changing the athletic environment. Oh, and Chris Kluwe (Vikings punter), who I first heard about when he printed an open letter to the Senator who reprimanded the Ravens player that stood up for marriage equality, was so well worded that it prompted me to read his blog, which was HERE. I say was because he is a man of action and since his platform is not unbiased as it claims, he held to his beliefs and quit!! What a man!! Mr. Kluwe, you are my hero!
In closing, I am glad that I was called. It is almost as though it was fate that I was to watch this and have my mind retweaked so that I no longer believe in the myth. See what I mean when I said “I never know when I can learn something new?”
Did you happen to catch this program? Or, did you know about his mind set of athletes? Lemme know what’s in your brains in the comment section below…
The Actorvist 