Brian Burke Keeps His Promise

[YouWantitWhen????]

Brian Burke Keeps His Promise#1

Posted: 7/5/10 at 6:22pm

I don't think this was already posted. As many known, Brendan Burke (Brian's son) died in a car accident a couple of months after he came out to the world. Brian Burke is the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and promised his son after watching the Toronto Gay Pride parade last year, that they would march this year. While Brendan was not there in person, through Brian, he was clearly there in spirit.
Burke Keeps His Promise

[Q]

Brian Burke Keeps His Promise#2

Posted: 7/5/10 at 7:02pm

Brent Sopel, who accompanied the Stanley Cup in the Chicago pride parade (with his wife and children,) also sited Brendan in his interviews.

I love that his memory lives on, and continues to inspire inclusion, acceptance, and awareness. Blessings to his family.

[strummergirl]

Brian Burke Keeps His Promise#2

Posted: 7/5/10 at 7:39pm

I remember reading the original ESPN article and it was the elder Burke who actually approached Brendan about going to a pride parade in Toronto. So glad his memory lives on and that his father was always in his corner. Updated On: 7/5/10 at 07:39 PM

[canmark]

Brian Burke Keeps His Promise#3

Posted: 7/5/10 at 7:59pm

The sports world is not as homophobic as people believe, but perhaps job insecurity (like actors in the theatre, athletes have to compete for jobs; they know that an injury could end their career; and sometimes factors outside of one's control determine whether you make it or not) is what keeps many in the closet. Still, with all the male bonding and locker room and road trip camaraderie, I'm sure many are aware of gay teammates and are empathetic and supportive.

A good piece written by Brendan Burke's brother, Patrick:
http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/59-columns/322-never-forgotten-patrick-burke-remembers-his-pioneering-brother-brendan

Brian Burke marches in Toronto Pride parade:
http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2010/07/04/brian-burke-marches-in-toronto-pride-parade/

Coach Bob knew it all along: you've got to get obsessed and stay obsessed. You have to keep passing the open windows. (John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire)