Uni High Gargoyle Staff Blog

The current controversy in the sports world started when former NBA player John Amaechi admitted that he is gay in his new book called “Man in the Middle.” It is about the experience of being gay as a professional athlete.

Just yesterday as a response to the topic, retired NBA player Tim Hardaway called into a radio station and ranted on how he hates gay people and how he is a homophobe. Unfortunately, Hardaway probably represents a large number of athletes in professional sports.

The intolerance epitomized by Hardaway is probably why no more gay athletes have come out. Some have after they are finished with their pro careers, but I can imagine that coming out while playing can harbor harsh consequences. For instance, what are you going to do in the locker room, where everyone will give you a “Don’t try anything funny” look? How about when you don’t get playing time because the coach has something against gays?

In a perfect world, nothing would matter except how much of a baller you are. In reality, gays are going to have to overcome narrow-mindedness. David Stern, the NBA commissioner, has banished Hardaway from NBA all-star activities this weekend and said that the only thing the league cares about is whether you have game or not.

I think Amaechi paved a rocky path by coming out and that eventually more gay athletes will come out. I also hope that one day the only thing that matters, no matter what you do, is your ability and not your sexuality, faith, or skin color or anything else.

Also, shoutouts to the boys bball team. Close overtime win over Judah Christian. Clutch.

— Ranny Ma