Now before I explain any of my personal views, I must say that I am not homophobic, I’ve never had any problems with homosexuals and that I don’t think any lower of individuals who choose that type of lifestyle.
Sheryl Swoopes, in case you don’t know, is the Michael Jordan of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She’s essentially one of, if not the best, players to play in the WNBA’s entire history. Swoopes is a 4-time WNBA champion, 2-time M.V.P. and 2-time defensive player of the year in the WNBA’s 9- year existence.
But enough of the accolades.
If you haven’t heard already, Sherly Swoopes came out of the closet last week, which is shocking in its own right. My problem with Swoopes was what she said concerning men in sports:
“What really irritates me is when people talk about football, baseball and the NBA, you don’t hear all of this talk about the gay guys playing. But when you talk about the WNBA, then it becomes an issue.”
From Swoopes’ statement, it seems like its fine to be a lesbian in sports but not a gay guy in sports. Isn’t this a double standard? And why is Swoopes a hero all of a sudden?
Now it’s simply natural for a woman to be called a tomboy in professional sports, as it’s expected. But is it natural to call men feminine in the same nature and get away with it? I don’t think so.
Even Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce does not like the idea of having a gay man playing against him. The Boston Herald asked and Pierce responded:
“I probably wouldn’t want to guard him.”
From my own personal experience, I’m fortunate to not know any but have read about males in some high schools in denial, killing themselves because they were terrified of being beaten or being called a fag.
I’ve participated in many organized team sports, and have had conversations with my male teammates about the possibilities of a member of our team being gay.
There were things said that I cannot repeat but I will sum it up for you: They were displeased with the thought of it being true.
Another problem I see from Swoopes coming out is she’s an ambassador of her sport and is an ambassador of a league that already needs the exposure and help.
But it’s understandable; Swoopes came out because she was tired of hiding it. Maybe it’s because I don’t understand her situation. Did Swoopes forget the little girls and teenaged girls who watch her play basketball? Maybe it didn’t matter to Swoopes. But last time I checked, if you were a superstar athlete, the kids basically convey you as a role model.
However, there might actually be a positive to come out in all of this. Maybe Swoopes wants to bridge the gap and open talk of self-expression. Maybe young women and teenaged girls will come out and tell their parents that their favorite basketball player came out so they will too. But I guess feelings can’t be kept within and have to be told to the public.
I know what you’re probably asking; so what if she’s gay? What if, let’s say, LeBron James came out and said he’s gay. I bet you anything that there would be people that would lose respect for James. Not only because of his lifestyle but because he’s a basketball ambassador. Couldn’t Swoopes admit to this when her career was completely over? If there is a backlash in all of this, don’t say I didn’t warn you.