Several years ago the Black 14 fought for racial equality on campus and in sports. Today, another fight for equality brews.
A hot topic in recent days and the recent year, homosexuality in sports presses. In April, 2013 Jason Collins, an NBA player came out as gay and did not find a job the following season. Gay athletes in the NFL came out variously after their retirements. In May, according to an article by the New York Times, a plan for a group of NFL players who support gay marriage or are gay to come out was quickly shut down.
On Jan. 2 former Vikings punter, Chris Kluwe, wrote a letter on Deadspin.com talking about his being fired for supporting gay marriage.
Each of these events raises a question: is there really equality in sports today?
The Student Coordinator for the Rainbow Resource Center, Jessie Irish, believes that there is inequality due to homosexuality in sports.
“The change of LGBTs being involved in sports is happening too fast,” said Irish. “A lot of people fear the unknown.”
Mark McDunagh, a senior majoring in Graphic Design, said there is no problem with homosexuality in sports and that it should not even be a problem.
“I had a friend on my football team in high school that was gay,” said McDunagh. “It wasn’t ever a problem and I think teammates even showed support.”
However, junior track team member Kaitlind Higgins believes discrimination occurs.
There are many components as to why this discrimination happens. Higgins thinks it could come from anyone; the teammates, the sponsors and the fans.
McDunagh believes the existing discrimination could stem from religion.
“There are probably teammates that disagree with the lifestyle, whether it’s moral based or religious based,” said McDunagh.
Most players in professional sports have waited to come out after their career ends. Colin Gilbert, number 87 and a Cowboy wide receiver, believes this takes place due to players not wanting to create a distraction.
“They probably wait so it’s not such a big stress factor,” said Gilbert. “You don’t want to be out there trying to play with that looming over you.”
“It’s really hard to come out in the spotlight because of the amount of exposure from the media and fans,” said McDunagh.
According to youcanplayproject.org, Colorado Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog advocated for the project this past weekend, encouraging support for LGBT athletes. The NHL openly allies with You Can Play since April, making the NHL the first professional sports league to support gay rights.
“The future is hopeful,” says Irish.
She says she hopes that, one day, homosexuals are accepted in all levels of sports.
“There is the macho man idea of what a male should be,” said Irish. “It’s hard for those who watch sports to see a player be gay right now.”
“You don’t have to be gay or straight to be good,” said Higgins. “I support anyone I compete with or against; we’re always cheering each other on.”
