The controversial topic that I'm going to discuss today is homophobia in Sports. It is no secret that homosexuals are viewed very differently than straight people in athletics.So what is the big deal with homosexuals participating in sports? It has been said that athletes with gay teammates or coaches feel very uncomfortable when surrounded by them and do not trust them as fully as they would a straight teammate or coach. Homophobia is a major issue in our sports world today. I personally do not see what the big deal is. If a gay teammate or coache's performance is not affected by their sexual choices and they do not try to influence or persuade their beliefs to others I do not see a problem. What I do see a problem with is how gays are treated after they come out of the closet. They are heavily mistreated and disrespected by their teammates and coaches, which is wrong. However, I do disagree with gays who keep it a secret from their coaches or teammates because one key part of success in sports is the trust factor, and they should be completely honest. I think that's why there is homophobia in sports. Coaches and teammates do not trust their homosexual teamates for the simple reason that they have a prejudice belief against homosexuality, which reflects to the society we live in.
On the other hand, how can you blame a coach or teammate in the sports business for keeping their sexuality a secret. Why would they admit their sexuality when all they would do is lose support from most of their fans, get critisized by the public, their teammates, and their organization. It could also cost them their career when they openly admit that they're homosexual. Take former Missouri Lacrosse head coach Kyle Hawkins for example. According to an article done by Espn's Greg Garber Hawkins's professional career was over when he felt his personal choices were more important. Garber stated that Hawkins turned the Missouri lacrosse program into a success by winning 18 out of their 19 games in 2004. His contract was not renewed this year after he openly admitted that he was gay. This is a very shameful and unfortunate event if a man who put this program on the map is let go simply because of his sexuality. This isn't just a message to sports but to society as a whole. As a society we need to be more open minded to sensitive issues such as homosexuality. Gays are human beings too and should be treated like it. Homophobia exists in sports today becaue it exists in our society.
2 comments:
Demosky, i agree that homophobia is a problem in sports. when an athlete openly admits that he is gay it creates a very unnecessary distraction for the team. Coaches and teammates sometimes do mistrust a homosexual player, but i think most of the distraction comes from the media. I believe the press makes a much bigger deal out of a players sexual orientation than teammates or coaches would. because of this, though, i have to agree with your other point and wonder why a player would come out at all. if they know nothing good will come of openly admitting their sexuality, why do it at all. in the end, their ultimate goal is for their sexuality to not matter, so why go shouting it from the rooftops, you know?
Matt, I agree that homophobia is a problem not only in sports, but in society as well. People tend to be afraid of whats different and often disassociate themselves from it. Even though we see it more in mens sports I remember a situation in the WNBA. Sheryl Swoopes was an All-Star guard that came out and said she was a lesbian. She said she was tired of living a lie and she wanted to be free. In this case coming out was good and her teammates seemed to be understanding. Also, I think there is a double standard where women seem to be more understanding and men seem to have more of a problem. I tend to agree with Chris that if they know no good will come from it why say anything. Hopefully, in the future we'll learn to be more accepting of people that are different.
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