By Chad Rhym – Sports Writer
Sports are known for a lot of things. One of them is homophobia.
On Jan. 5, Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried became the first NBA player in history to join the gay rights group, “Athlete Ally,” aimed at fighting homophobia in sports. This is the first step forward in revolutionizing the world of sports into a more friendly environment for openly gay athletes.
Players throughout sports are often making homophobic slurs. These actions have led to several players not having the courage to come out to their teammates. Everyone should have the right to play sports, and at the same time be themselves.
Why aren’t sports a friendly environment for homosexuality?
There are several different reasons for why sports are known for their homophobia. One of which is that many players, such as 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, have extreme conservative views concerning homosexuality in sports.
“We don’t need no gay people on the team, can’t be with that sweet stuff. In the locker room man, nah,” Culliver said to radio host Artie Lange. “Yeah, come out 10 years later after that.”
Culliver later apologized for his remarks, but did anyone believe his apology?
Of course not.
This isn’t the first time a homophobic remark like this has occurred. On April 13, 2011, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant directed a homophobic slur at a referee out of frustration.
We can’t have popular players such as Kobe Bryant not able to control their actions.
How would these comments affect a young homosexual’s ourage to come out to his or her teammates? There has to be more role models in sports– role models that stick up for what is right, players who know how to censor their comments and players who consider the effects of their stances. With all that said, kudos to Kenneth Faried and players who have had the courage to come out.
The ignorance has to stop. Everyone deserves to play a sport, and at the same time be proud of who they are.
