Jason Collins of the NBA Officially Comes Out
#2
Posted: 4/29/13 at 11:48am
Whose next?
Those Blocked: SueStorm. N2N Nate. Good riddence to stupid! Rad-Z, shill begone!
#3
Posted: 4/29/13 at 11:56am
Here's a link to the actual article that Collins wrote which just so happens to be beautifully written and quite inspirational.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/20130429/jason-collins-gay-nba-player/
While I know we often mock people for making a big deal of coming out, this is one case where in a culture that is still so backwards on this issue, coming out is a momentous occasion and I can only hope his leadership on the issue will inspire others and breed a culture of acceptance.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/20130429/jason-collins-gay-nba-player/
While I know we often mock people for making a big deal of coming out, this is one case where in a culture that is still so backwards on this issue, coming out is a momentous occasion and I can only hope his leadership on the issue will inspire others and breed a culture of acceptance.
Scratch and claw for every day you're worth!
Make them drag you screaming from life, keep dreaming
You'll live forever here on earth.
#4
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:01pm
His writing is so beautiful, and it must have taken a lot of courage.
I am very glad it was someone who has been playing for a long time, and has such close relationships with many. That can only help the acceptance that will come.
I am very glad it was someone who has been playing for a long time, and has such close relationships with many. That can only help the acceptance that will come.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
#5
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:12pm
I should have known better than to read down to the comments section.
#6
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:16pm
Basketball, history, art and Motown. There is nothing better than a renaissance gay.
Twitter @NamoInExile
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#7
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:17pm
The musical will be amazing when it opens next season.
#8
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:26pm
""Whose next?""
English a second language for you too?
English a second language for you too?
FINDINGNAMO, SNAFU, THEATERDIVE, JORDANCATALONO, LIZASHEADBAND, PALJOEY: You all claim to "IGNORE ME" I wish you would and stop constantly commenting on my posts. Thanks ......................................................................................................................................
The MOST POPULAR and DANGEROUS Poster on BWW! Banned by the PTA, PTC and the MEANGIRLS of BWW.....................................................................................................................
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#9
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:29pm
He's gay AND black?!
Wow.
Who knew.
Wow.
Who knew.
"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>>
“I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>>
-whatever2
#10
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:34pm
I think he wrote that to say he feels it's as much an intrinsic part of himself as being 7 feet tall. Which is tall.
Twitter @NamoInExile
Instagram none
#12
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:40pm
I really hope his teammates come out soon and are very vocal in support of him.
#13
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:52pm
I love this.
I also love this! http://withleather.uproxx.com/2013/04/the-left-wing-elitist-media-whatever-guide-to-jason-collins-coming-out
I also love this! http://withleather.uproxx.com/2013/04/the-left-wing-elitist-media-whatever-guide-to-jason-collins-coming-out
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
#14
Posted: 4/29/13 at 12:57pm
Those are great, Lizzie, and several apply to ANY famous person coming out.
#15
Posted: 4/29/13 at 1:05pm
Wizards Statement on Jason Collins' Announcement
April 29, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – The following statement is from Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld on behalf of the team:
“We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.
His Team's Statement
April 29, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – The following statement is from Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld on behalf of the team:
“We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.
His Team's Statement
#16
Posted: 4/29/13 at 1:13pm
So if Alan Gendreau makes it to the NFL will he be the first gay NFL players going INTO the NFL? Not to mention he's a hottie!
#17
Posted: 4/29/13 at 1:16pm
Yes, Gendreau would certainly be making history. I don't he was drafted, but kickers can often make a roster without being drafted.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
-- Thomas Jefferson
#18
Posted: 4/29/13 at 1:20pm
He wasn't, he's visiting training camps this summer for "tryouts".
#19
He can stop by my place for a tryout if he likes.
Posted: 4/29/13 at 1:56pm
He can stop by my place for a tryout if he likes.
#20
Posted: 4/29/13 at 2:22pm
His headshots aren't bad either PalJoey.
#21
Posted: 4/29/13 at 2:41pm
I'm just glad there haven't been any 'tight end' jokes.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
-- Thomas Jefferson
#22
Posted: 4/29/13 at 2:48pm
And yet people rush to show how ignorant they are:
"New Miami Dolphin Mike Wallace has already gotten himself into hot water in the Twittersphere. Shortly after NBA center Jason Collins came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, he tweeted:
"All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH..."
Link
"New Miami Dolphin Mike Wallace has already gotten himself into hot water in the Twittersphere. Shortly after NBA center Jason Collins came out as gay in a Sports Illustrated cover story, he tweeted:
"All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH..."
Link
"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>>
“I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>>
-whatever2
#23
Posted: 4/29/13 at 2:55pm
Considering the hyper-macho world of the professional sports leagues, the ratio of positive to negative remarks has been, well, remarkable. And not just from relative unknowns or former players. Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash have all tweeted their support for Collins.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
-- Thomas Jefferson
#24
Posted: 4/29/13 at 3:16pm
Let me start out by saying that this is great. And, what makes it better is that you have some big names in the NBA who are supporting this.
But, as a sports fan, I am wondering something. Should he have waited until he was signed to another team before coming out? I say this, not because I think that his coming out is bad (far from it.) But, I feel that there are two things at play here. One is that there are as many people who are in favor of his coming out that are associated with the NBA, as there are many who are disgusted by it. It's just the way sports is these days and it's a fact that makes me sick. But also, he isn't a superstar or anything of that nature, is a good player off the bench, but is not someone who always starts. And, to top it all off his age is up there for the NBA. I feel that if he waited until he was resigned, he would have the security of being able to play regardless. Now, there may be teams that may have been interested in him before, but might not want him as a result.
Now, I know that there might be posters here who say that it shouldn't matter that he is gay, and I agree with that. But, sadly, that's where things are in pro sports these days and I'm just trying to be realistic.
But, as a sports fan, I am wondering something. Should he have waited until he was signed to another team before coming out? I say this, not because I think that his coming out is bad (far from it.) But, I feel that there are two things at play here. One is that there are as many people who are in favor of his coming out that are associated with the NBA, as there are many who are disgusted by it. It's just the way sports is these days and it's a fact that makes me sick. But also, he isn't a superstar or anything of that nature, is a good player off the bench, but is not someone who always starts. And, to top it all off his age is up there for the NBA. I feel that if he waited until he was resigned, he would have the security of being able to play regardless. Now, there may be teams that may have been interested in him before, but might not want him as a result.
Now, I know that there might be posters here who say that it shouldn't matter that he is gay, and I agree with that. But, sadly, that's where things are in pro sports these days and I'm just trying to be realistic.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll
#25
Posted: 4/29/13 at 3:25pm
NBA is streets ahead of the other sports regarding gay rights and equality. Stern is a benevolent dictator in that regard. You figured the moment Stern saw the mostly positive waves toward John Amaechi came out (Tim Hardway's stupidity and LeBron James' Jordanesque triangulating comments notwithstanding) that this would be the first league to have an openly gay athlete. NFL had that 4-5 players all coming out rumblings a while back but although the NFL has become the fastest to change positively and be a more open culture, it still came from a place where there are still a lot of issues. If Ayanbedejo and Chris Kluwe are saying that their job security is threatened just by being allies, in a sport where there are no guaranteed contracts, that is problematic and probably why that rumored collective coming out has still not happened.
NHL under the Burke family has also made some good, positive waves to the point where I think there is no pressure for an athlete in that sport to come out.
Only American sport that seems to not really be active in any positive, cultural headway is Major League Baseball. There were a lot of franchises antsy to do so much as an It Gets Better video and a couple of teams (notably my team the New York Mets) just made anti-bullying videos. Honestly, I am surprised nobody has approached Bud Selig about this when Roger Goodell and David Stern have been asked about gay players constantly.
NHL under the Burke family has also made some good, positive waves to the point where I think there is no pressure for an athlete in that sport to come out.
Only American sport that seems to not really be active in any positive, cultural headway is Major League Baseball. There were a lot of franchises antsy to do so much as an It Gets Better video and a couple of teams (notably my team the New York Mets) just made anti-bullying videos. Honestly, I am surprised nobody has approached Bud Selig about this when Roger Goodell and David Stern have been asked about gay players constantly.
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