AChat Forum
Off-Topic => Quizz, Fav TV, Fav Music, Fav Films, Books... => Topic started by: hukk on February 24, 2014, 05:08:20 PM
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I just wanted to take the time to post here a little sports news. To those who may not have heard, yesterday was a momentous day for American sports, and what I believe the (U.S) country as a whole. Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete ever in America's four major professional sports when he signed to play for the Brooklyn Nets. I for one welcome this day, and hope that he will help open the doors for other gay athletes to join the other major American sports.
Of course, there are some (including some co-workers of mines) who feel his presence will distract the team. That his presence will somehow send the message of weakness to opponents who view homosexuality as lacking in competitive fierceness in comparison to a heterosexual male athlete. To those who have such antiquated, rustic views I can only pray that watching this guy play on the court will slowly change their hearts concerning gay athletes. Much luck to you Jason Collins.
(http://sinbapointforward.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/jason-collins.jpg?w=600&h=406)
Oh, and the Brooklyn Nets was formerly a New Jersey team. We're still taking credit for this achievement! ;D
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When we think about gay sportler, its obvious there have to be many. Though we say, were a world of tolerance, its still risky to out themselves. In germany, an ex- national player of the german football (soccer) team did his outing last year. But no active player ever did.
I appreciate each one doing it. Also i hope, many more will follow Jason Collins and the Brooklyn Nets
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I just want to say this about that...
I don't care! I don't need to know!
It's his business, no one elses. And wouldn't the world be a better place if we all stopped making judgments about things that don't concern us?
((steps off the soap box and wanders back into the crowd))
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@ Lover
Lately more former players are coming out to reveal they are gay, though it was usually only a secret among the public and not teammates. Michael Sam -a college football player- is another figure who recently came out here in the U.S. Hopefully he gets drafted into the NFL.
@ Andrea
Well, a feedback is a feedback. He likely has the same sentiments. He probably just wants to play ball, help his team win, and not discuss anything concerning his sexual orientation (if he had a choice in the matter). I can't really agree to statement that this doesn't necessarily concern us. Sure, a 6 '8 black gay male basketball player isn't going to impact my life, when say I'm at work (maybe if I play b-ball with co-workers though, he could prove useful). But it's difficult not to get excited over an issue that reflects a growing social change in not only American sports, but in America as a whole on the issue of homosexuality.
For those people who wish to participate in sports but can only do so without divulging the fact that he or she is a gay/lesbian I would say this moment is as much 'their' moment as it is Jason Collins. Him being on that court will concern those pushing for gay equality, and a greater tolerance for gay athletes. It's something I'm sure he is aware of now, given the huge fanfare. And as a big time supporter of gay rights, I just felt it was necessary to announce it. Also because I like the Brooklyn Nets.
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You mistake my statement as being flipant and not caring, I think.
My point is his sexuality or anyone's should have no bearing on his sport or our perception of him in that sport. You say this is a great thing that he came out, I say it will be a better thing when he doesn't NEED to.
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Ah, well thanks for clarifying Andrea. One day hopefully, perhaps say 40 years down the road no one will blink an eye for their being a gay basketball player on the court, just like today no one bats an eye for black athletes playing in sports; to judge a person not based on the color of their skin, gender, or sexual orientation but on their achievements (or failures).
However it's something that can't be ignored right now. It's the pink elephant in the room, sort to speak. One day though.
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I agree with Andrea . A athlete should not be judged for his person life but for there athletic ability.
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There have been many "Pink Elephants in the locker room"
It kinda makes you wonder how many there has to be before some people stop believing that they will be a distraction or that they will send a negative message to the fans. However I look to the future as many of us do with faith. Women and black athletes made it work. It's just a matter of time. Until then we must all show our continued support as best we can for our gay/ lesbian/ transgender and transvestite athletes.
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Jenny Allard b. ? American Softball
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Nadine Angerer b. 1978 German Football
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Jason Collinsb. 1978 American Basketball
Natalie Cookb. 1975 Australian Beach volleyball
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Orlando Cruzb. 1981Puerto-RicanBoxing
John Curry1949–1994 English Figure skating
Donal Óg Cusackb. 1977 Irish Hurling
Tom Daleyb. 1994 English Diving
Steven Daviesb. 1986 English Cricket
Wade Davidb. 1977American American football
Casey Dellacquab. 1985 Australian Tennis
Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvelb. 1987DutchField hockey
Michael Dos Santonb. 1983 Brazilian Volleyball
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Imke Duplitzerb. 1976GermanFencing
Justin Fashanu1961–1998EnglishFootball
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Gigi Fernándezb. 1964Puerto-RicanTennis
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Matthew Hall b. 1970 Canadian Figure skating
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Kyle Hawkins b. 1970 American Lacrosse
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Sandra Haynie b. 1943American Golf
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Edel Therese Hoiseth b. 1966 Norwegian Speed skating
Ursula Holl b. 1982 German Football
Erika Holst b. 1979 Swedish Ice hockey
Mia Hundvin b. 1977 Norwegian Handball
Anton Hysén b. 1990 Swedish Football
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Angela James b. 1964 Canadian Hockey
Patrick Jeffrey b. 1965 American Diving
Dorte Dalum Jensen b. 1978 Danish Football
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Gus Johnston b. 1979 Australian Field hockey
Rosie Jones b. 1959 American Golf
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Orlando Jordan b. 1974 American Wrestling
Natasha Kai b. 1983 American Football
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Dane The Fame b.? Latin American / Puertorican Wrestling
Peter Karlsson 1966–1995 Swedish Ice hockey
Johan Kenkhuis b. 1980 Dutch Swimming
Sanne van Kerkhof b. 1987 Dutch Short track speed skating
Billie Jean King b. 1943 American Tennis
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Dominik Koll b. 1984 Austrian Swimming
David Kopay b. 1942 American American football
Daniel Kowalski b. 1975 Australian Swimming
Andreas Krieger b. 1966 German Track and field
Kim Lammers b. 1981 Dutch Field hockey
Jessica Landström b. 1984 Swedish Football
Lauren Lappin b. 1984 American Softball
Mark Leduc 1962–2009 Canadian Boxing
Hedvig Lindahl b. 1983 Swedish Football
Ylva Lindberg b. 1976 Swedish Ice hockey
Lori Lindsey b. 1980 American Football
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Chris Morgan b. 1973 English Powerlifting
Jim Morris b. 1935 American Bodybuilding
Chris Mosier b. 1980 American Triathlete
Nadine Müller b. 1985 German Discus Throwing
Martina Navratilova b. 1956 Czech-American Tennis
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Scott Norton b. 1982 American Bowling
Diana Nyad b. 1949 American Swimming
Katja Nyberg b. 1979 Swedish Handball
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Bob Paris b. 1959 American Bodybuilding
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Pat Patterson b. 1941 Canadian Wrestling
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Lee Pearson b. 1974 English Equestrian
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Aslie Pitter b. 1960 English Football
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