Do it the Hardaway
by Michael
Former Warrior point guard, Tim Hardaway recently stated that he "Hates gay people" in response to another former NBA player who recently came out. It was a rare candid statement that reflects the attitudes of many male athletes, and it may cost him plenty in the short term.
I don't deny that Hardaway is entitled to his opinion, but the rancor of his words point to why so many gay athletes stay in the closet while they're actively competing. Why does hate have to enter into the discussion? Why is there so much intolerance in male dominated sports?
Ignorance is probably the main reason. Most heterosexual males have the impression that if a gay man is attracted to them, they might be gay themselves. This is ridiculous to say the least. You can be attracted to another woman without being a bigamist. It's only if you marry a second woman that you become a bigamist. You are either gay or bi, or you're not. It's that simple.
Hardaway is already paying the price for what he said. I doubt that he regrets what he said more than the consequences he faces as a result of his statement. He'll lose endorsement money and his ties to the NBA have been severed for the time being. His apology won't erase what he said or the consequences that have resulted.
Posted under Sports in Mind on Thursday, February 15th, 2007 at 13:12
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