Gay Athletes: John Amaechi's Wise Revelation

There has been a recent uproar of homosexuality in the sports media–the Snickers Super Bowl commercial, the identification of former center John Amaechi with homosexuality, and his former teammate Tim Hardaway’s anti gay remarks in response. The tale of homosexuals and homophobia in athletics is a controversial and engaging issue because of the popularity of sports here in the United States. In fact, it is through sports that most young boys are socialized, particularly in America. John Amaechi, pictured right, is the first NBA player to publicly announce his homosexuality, and elaborates his experiences through his book entitled Man in the Middle, a memoir from his days growing up in England till today a retired, gay athlete. Amaechi's revelation was met with ambivalence, whether it be reverence, shock, disgust, and even hope to closeted homosexual athletes. Many were stunned to discover that the muscular, 6 foot 2 basketball center playing in the world’s most elite league was gay. Homosexuals were not meant to exist in the NBA, nor in professional sports for that matter. The NBA, like the NFL and military, is a “testosterone riddled” environment. Leigh Steinberg, a prominent NFL agent notes that, “it would be much easier, in many senses, to be convicted of robbery and serve time, then come play in major-league baseball or the NFL, than be gay.” His statement reflects the conservative nature of professional sport which demands bonafide masculinity. According to Amaechi, professional athletes share a philosophy similar to the ancient Greeks; they are supposed to be “the pinnacle of man.” Amaechi’s choice of disclosing his sexual orientation reflects the former center’s courage and integrity. His emotional fortitude will not remain unrewarded however. In the words of Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, “You would be an absolute hero to more Americans than you can ever possibly be as an athlete, and that’ll put money in your pocket…When you do something that the whole world thinks is difficult and you stand up and just be who you are and take on that difficulty factor, you’re an American hero no matter what.” I could not agree more with Cuban. However, Steinberg mentions that announcing homosexuality publicly is virtually endorsement suicide, because marketing involves an “attempt by a company to appeal to the broadest possible audience.” Even if certain endorsers do drop a gay athlete, other endorsers would in all likelihood sign him in. Of greater importance is the fact that being honest about ones sexuality would be a liberating experience. Naturally, the former center is currently coping with the expected anti gay flack. Tim Hardaway, former point guard of the Miami Heat revealed his mindset when questioned about Amaechi's homosexuality, "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I'm homophobic. " These horrific remarks left many aghast, yet Amaechi responded that he was glad that finally he was hearing honest words from someone. Although the British retiree is dealing with animosity from those opposed to gays, he has garnered respect from not only homosexuals, but heterosexuals alike, including athletes.

The strong antigay views in professional sport needs to subdued, because at the end of the day the athlete is performing in his profession. There are many notorious athletes that are more and actually rightfully deserving of such flack, instead of those that are homosexual. For instance, Dennis Rodman, the former Bulls forward was infamous for his ways both on and off the court. In fact, Rodman had been suspended for eleven games because he kicked a court side cameraman. "Dennis the Menace" has been ejected, arrested, and much more. Amaechi on the other hand, was not a troublemaker - he was scoring baskets and rebounding.

Martina Navratilova (shown on the left), perhaps the most famous homosexual athlete today, has broken records and has been the victor of numerous grand slams, including the most prestigious Wimbledon tournament. These athletes were performing on the job, sexual orientation is irrelevant.
The former tennis champion commends Amaechi for his decision not only due to his inner strength but also because of the lives it can save. Navratilova emphasizes the importance of homosexual athletes to disclose their sexuality due to the increasing phenomenon of young gay and lesbian suicides. According to the former tennis champion, "It's hugely important for the kids so they don't feel alone in the world. We're role models. We're adults, and we know we're not alone but kids don't know that. He will definitely help a lot of kids growing up to feel better about themselves."

In my opinion, Amaechi would make a remarkable spokesman for the gay athletic community. He is not only eloquent, but intelligent and mature. If an increasing number of athletes come out, perhaps it will help curb the number of homosexual suicides and also ameliorate the homophobic nature of America. Meanwhile, these openly gay athletes will generate significant amounts of money through endorsements and other sponsorships. For instance, Bruce Hayes a gay Olympic swimmer has been recently endorse by Coors Light (the advertisement is displayed on the right), while Corey Johnson, a openly gay high school football captain gave a pitch for Mitchell Gold Furniture. According to the furniture company, "if someone doesn't want to buy our furniture because of our use of gays and lesbians in advertising, that's OK," They want their "brand to stand for style, and for doing the right thing." Although publicly announcing one’s non heterosexuality requires courage, hopefully it will become an option closeted individual’s turn to. In the future, perhaps it will be commonplace for there to be publicly gay athletes, which would undoubtedly broaden the horizons of our society.