July 17, 201412 yr Author Because he's the first. This is a step in which one day both may eventually be recognized as equal. I do understand how some peoples religion hold them back, but this is a step in the right direction. Fair enough. I must ask, what religions discriminate against gays?
July 17, 201412 yr I think we for the most part we agree. Since homosexuality and heterosexuality are supposed it be equal, why is it a big deal that he's an openly gay athlete? Because they are not, even though they are supposed to be. I have come a long way in my thoughts on homosexuality in the last five years. I think that part of that is because of things like that night that have occurred, combined with maturing, and truly getting to know a few gay guys.
July 17, 201412 yr Equality I am for. Accepting that folks are gay and should have the same tax breaks as straight couples, I am for. Celebrating the alternative lifestyle takes it a little far for me.
July 17, 201412 yr He's literally the first openly gay athlete ever, where his while career everyone will know he's gay. It's an accomplishment for sports IMO that someone has finally had the courage to admit it. I don't want to compare him to Jackie Robinson because he was a HOFer, but at one point this is how people felt about black players, and people for a matter of fact. I agree with that. I'd say that Homosexuality is more accepted now in America than Blacks were in the 40's. #Jackiehaditworse
July 17, 201412 yr Sams winning the Arthur Ashe courage award only adds to my feelings about the Espy's in general.
July 17, 201412 yr It took a lot of courage for Sam to come out. Sam seems fitting for the award from my perspective. Beyond that, Sam tends to turn me off a little but I certainly believe in second and third chances. At the end of the day, Sam better be able to play in the NFL.
July 17, 201412 yr He's literally the first openly gay athlete ever, where his while career everyone will know he's gay. It's an accomplishment for sports IMO that someone has finally had the courage to admit it. I don't want to compare him to Jackie Robinson because he was a HOFer, but at one point this is how people felt about black players, and people for a matter of fact. This is totally wrong. He's not the first openly gay athlete ever. What he is is the first athlete that admitted to being gay before the NFL draft. Here is a list you can see for yourself. List of LGBT sportspeople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Graham Ackermanb. 1983AmericanGymnasticsG[4]Nicola Adamsb. 1982EnglishBoxingB[5]Marilyn Agliottib. 1979DutchField hockeyL[6]Stephen Alexanderb. 1978AmericanCoachT[7]Jenny Allardb. ?AmericanSoftballL[8]Kye Allumsb. 1989AmericanBasketballT[9]John Amaechib. 1970EnglishBasketballG[10]Eric Andersonb. 1968AmericanCoachG[11]Nadine Angererb. 1978GermanFootballB[12]Alyson Annanb. 1973AustralianField hockeyL[13]Rebekka Armstrongb. 1967AmericanBodybuildingL[14]Judith Arndtb. 1976GermanCyclingL[15]Mianne Baggerb. 1966DanishGolfT[16]Clare Baldingb. 1971EnglishJockeyL[17]Jim Barnett1924–2004AmericanWrestlingG[18]Betty Baxterb. 1952CanadianVolleyballL[19]Billy Beanb. 1964AmericanBaseballG[20]Shelley Beattie1967–2008AmericanBodybuildingL[21]Kajsa Bergqvistb.1976SwedishTrack and fieldB[22]Thomas Berlingb. 1979NorwegianFootballG[23]Mark Bingham1970–2001AmericanRugbyG[24]John Blankenstein1949–2006DutchFootballG[25]Brian Boitanob. 1963AmericanFigure SkatingG[26]Yvette Bovab. 1962AmericanBodybuildingB[27]Sabine Braunb. 1965GermanTrack and fieldL[28]Belle Brockhoffb. 1993AustralianSnowboardL[29]Chantal de Bruijnb. 1976DutchField HockeyL[30]Steve Buckleyb. 1956AmericanJournalistG[31]Anastasia Bucsisb. 1989CanadianSpeed SkatingL[32]Brendan Burke1988–2010AmericanIce hockeyG[33]Glenn Burke1952–1995AmericanBaseballG[34]Balian Buschbaumb. 1980GermanTrack and fieldT[35]Ivan Bussens1960–2007EnglishWater poloG[36]Jeffrey Buttleb. 1982CanadianFigure skatingG[37]Latasha Byearsb. 1973AmericanBasketballL[38]Caitlin Cahowb. 1985AmericanIce hockeyL[39]J. P. Calderonb. 1975AmericanVolleyballG[40]Liz Carmoucheb. 1984AmericanMixed martial artsL[41]Betty Carstairs1900–1993EnglishMotor racingL[42]Parinya Charoenpholb. 1981ThaiBoxingT[43]Jason Collinsb. 1978AmericanBasketballG[44]Natalie Cookb. 1975AustralianBeach volleyballL[45]Roberta Cowell1918–2011BritishMotor racingT[46]Gottfried von Cramm1909–1976GermanTennisB[47]Scott Cranhamb. 1954CanadianDiverG[48]Toller Cranstonb. 1949CanadianFigure skatingB[49]Lisa Crossb. 1978EnglishBodybuildingB[50]Orlando Cruzb. 1981Puerto-RicanBoxingG[51]John Curry1949–1994EnglishFigure skatingG[52]Donal Óg Cusackb. 1977IrishHurlingG[53]Tom Daleyb. 1994EnglishDivingB[54]Steven Daviesb. 1986EnglishCricketG[55]Wade Davisb. 1977AmericanAmerican footballG[56]Casey Dellacquab. 1985AustralianTennisL[57]Chris Dickersonb. 1939AmericanBodybuildingG[58]Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvelb. 1987DutchField hockeyL[59]Michael Dos Santosb. 1983BrazilianVolleyballG[60]Robert Doverb. 1956AmericanEquestrianG[61]Nancy Droletb. 1973CanadianIce hockeyL[62]Michelle Duffb. 1939CanadianMotor racingT[63]Michelle Dumaresqb. 1971CanadianMountain bikingT[64]Imke Duplitzerb. 1975GermanFencingL[65]Justin Fashanu1961–1998EnglishFootballG[66]Freda du Faur1882–1935AustralianMountaineeringL[67]John Fennellb. 1995CanadianLugeG[68]Gigi Fernándezb. 1964Puerto-RicanTennisL[69]Amini Fonuab. 1989Tongan/New ZealandSwimmingG[70]Fallon Foxb. 1975/76AmericanMixed martial artsT[71]Travon Freeb. ?AmericanBasketballB[72]Edward Galb. 1970DutchEquestrianG[73]Rudy Galindob. 1969AmericanFigure skatingG[74]Vicky Galindob. 1983AmericanSoftballB[75]Ed Gallagher1958–2005AmericanAmerican footballG[76]Melanie Garside-Wightb. 1979EnglishFootballL[77]Terry Garvin?-1998CanadianWrestlingG[78]Jane Geddesb. 1960AmericanGolfL[79]Alan Gendreaub. 1989AmericanAmerican footballG[80]Jessie Godderzb. 1980AmericanBodybuildingG[81]Derrick Gordonb. 1991AmericanBasketballG[82]Bobby Goldsmith1946–1983AustralianSwimmingG[83]Andrew Goldsteinb. 1983AmericanLacrosseG[84]LZ Grandersonb. 1972AmericanJournalistG[85]Brittney Grinerb. 1990AmericanBasketballL[86]Emile Griffith1938–2013AmericanBoxingB[87]Joan Guetschowb. 1966AmericanBiathlonL[88]Peter Häggströmb. 1976SwedishTrack and fieldG[89]Matthew Hallb. 1970CanadianFigure skatingG[90]Gro Hammersengb. 1980NorwegianHandballL[91]Kyle Hawkinsb. 1970AmericanLacrosseG[92]Kwame Harrisb. 1982AmericanAmerican footballG[1]Bruce Hayesb. 1963AmericanSwimmingG[93]Sandra Haynieb. 1943AmericanGolfL[94]Mathew Helmb. 1980AustralianDivingG[95]Isabell Herlovsenb. 1988NorwegianFootballL[96]Thomas Hitzlspergerb. 1982GermanFootballG[97]Edel Therese Høisethb. 1966NorwegianSpeed skatingL[98]Ursula Hollb. 1982GermanFootballL[99]Erika Holstb. 1979SwedishIce hockeyL[100]Mia Hundvinb. 1977NorwegianHandballB[101]Anton Hysénb. 1990SwedishFootballG[102]Helen Jacobs1908–1997AmericanTennisL[103]Angela Jamesb. 1964CanadianIce hockeyL[104]Patrick Jeffreyb. 1965AmericanDivingG[105]Dorte Dalum Jensenb. 1978DanishFootballL[106]Barbara Jezeršekb. 1986SlovenianCross-country skiingL[107]Gus Johnstonb. 1979AustralianField hockeyG[108]Rosie Jonesb. 1959AmericanGolfL[109]Steffi Jonesb. 1972American-GermanFootballL[110]Orlando Jordanb. 1974AmericanWrestlingB[111]Natasha Kaib. 1983AmericanFootballL[65]Chris Kanyon1970–2010AmericanWrestlingG[112]Peter Karlsson1966–1995SwedishIce hockeyG[113]Johan Kenkhuisb. 1980DutchSwimmingG[114]Sanne van Kerkhofb. 1987DutchSpeed skatingL[115]Billie Jean Kingb. 1943AmericanTennisL[116]Ilana Klossb. 1956AmericanTennisL[117]Dominik Kollb. 1984AustrianSwimmingG [118]David Kopayb. 1942AmericanAmerican footballG[119]Daniel Kowalskib. 1975AustralianSwimmingG[120]Andreas Kriegerb. 1966GermanTrack and fieldT[121]Charline Labontéb. 1982CanadianIce hockeyL[122]Kim Lammersb. 1981DutchField hockeyL[123]Jessica Landströmb. 1984SwedishFootballL[124]Lauren Lappinb. 1984AmericanSoftballL[125]Mark Leduc1962–2009CanadianBoxingG[126]Hedvig Lindahlb. 1983SwedishFootballL[127]Ylva Lindbergb. 1976SwedishIce hockeyL[100]Lori Lindseyb. 1980AmericanFootballL[128]Ari-Pekka Liukkonenb. 1989FinnishSwimmingG[129]Joanna Lohmanb. 1982AmericanFootballL[130]Greg Louganisb. 1960AmericanDivingG[131]Hana Mandlíkováb. 1962CzechTennisL[132]Brian Marshallb. 1965CanadianHigh jumpG[133]Christy Martinb. 1968AmericanBoxingL[134]Amélie Mauresmob. 1979FrenchTennisL[135]Robert McCall1958–1991CanadianFigure skatingG[136]Ray McDonald1944–1993AmericanAmerican footballG[137]Lindsy McLeanb. 1938AmericanAmerican footballG[138]Linda Medalenb. 1965NorwegianFootballL[139]Conner Mertensb. 1994/1995AmericanAmerican footballB[140]Harriet Metcalfb. 1958AmericanRowingL[141]Hans Peter Minderhoudb. 1973DutchEquestrianG[73]Matthew Mitchamb. 1988AustralianDivingG[142]Chris Morganb. 1973EnglishPowerliftingG[143]Jim Morrisb. 1935AmericanBodybuildingG[144]Chris Mosierb. 1980AmericanTriathleteT[145]Nadine Müllerb. 1985GermanDiscus ThrowingL[146]Martina Navratilovab. 1956Czech-AmericanTennisL[147]Ondrej Nepela1951–1989SlovakianFigure skatingG[49]Robert Newtonb. 1981EnglishTrack and fieldG[148]Bente Nordbyb. 1974NorwegianFootballL[106]Scott Nortonb. 1982AmericanBowlingG[149]Diana Nyadb. 1949AmericanSwimmingL[150]Katja Nybergb. 1979SwedishHandballL[151]Graeme Obreeb. 1965ScottishCyclingG[152]Ryan O'Mearab. 1984AmericanIce dancingG[153]Brian Orserb. 1961CanadianFigure skatingG[154]Nigel Owensb. 1971WelshRugbyG[155]Dave Palloneb. 1951AmericanBaseballG[156]Bob Parisb. 1959Canadian-AmericanBodybuildingG[157]Sandy Parkerb. 1952CanadianWrestlingL[158]Lily Parr1905–1978EnglishFootballL[159]Anja Pärsonb. 1981SwedishDownhill SkiingL[160]Pat Pattersonb. 1941CanadianWrestlingG[161]Maartje Paumenb. 1985DutchField hockeyL[59]Lee Pearsonb. 1974EnglishEquestrianG[162]Otto Peltzer1900–1970GermanTrack and fieldG[163]Mike Penner1957–2009AmericanJournalistT[164]Beate Petersb. 1959GermanTrack and fieldL[28]David Pichlerb. 1968AmericanDivingG[165]Aslie Pitterb. 1960EnglishFootballG[166]Brian Pockar1959–1992CanadianFigure skatingG[136]Hope Powellb. 1966EnglishFootballL[167]Megan Rapinoeb. 1985AmericanFootballL[168]Lisa Raymondb. 1973AmericanTennisL[169]Stephen Rhodesb. 1984AmericanMotor racingG[170]Renée Richardsb. 1934AmericanTennisT[171]Helen Richardson-Walshb. 1981BritishField HockeyL[172]Kate Richardson-Walshb. 1980BritishField HockeyL[173]Ian Robertsb. 1965AustralianRugby leagueG[174]Ronald Robertson1937–2000AmericanFigure skatingG[175]Petra Rossnerb. 1966GermanCyclingL[15]Olivier Rouyerb. 1955FrenchFootballG[176]Robbie Rogersb. 1987AmericanFootballG[177]Matthew Rushb. 1972AmericanBodybuildingG[178]Jaiyah Saeluab. 1988SamoanFootballT[179]Michael Samb. 1990AmericanAmerican footballG[180]Angela Salvagnob. 1976AmericanBodybuildingB[181]Caroline Segerb. 1985SwedishFootballL[182]Victoria Sandell Svenssonb. 1977SwedishFootballL[183]Lianne Sandersonb. 1988EnglishFootballL[130]Erik Schineggerb. 1948AustrianDownhill SkiingT[184]Patty Sheehanb. 1956AmericanGolfL[185]Will Sheridanb. 1985AmericanBasketballG[186]Eudy Simelane1977–2008South AfricanFootballL[187]Roy Simmons1956-2014AmericanAmerican footballG[188]Brian Simsb. 1978AmericanAmerican footballG[189]Blake Skjellerupb. 1985New ZealanderSpeed skatingG[190]Vibeke Skofterudb. 1980NorwegianCross country skiingB[101]Jerry Smith1943–1986AmericanAmerican footballB[191]Judy Sowinski1940–2011AmericanRoller derbyL[192]Muffin Spencer-Devlinb. 1953AmericanGolfL[147]Helen Stephens1918 - 1994AmericanTrack and fieldL[193]Casey Stoneyb. 1982EnglishFootballL[194]Beth Storryb. 1978BritishField HockeyL[195]Rennae Stubbsb. 1971AustralianTennisL[169]Pia Sundhageb. 1960SwedishFootballL[196]Sheryl Swoopesb. 1971AmericanBasketballB[197]Stacy Sykorab. 1977AmericanVolleyballL[198]Blyth Taitb. 1961New ZealanderEquestrianG[199]David Testob. 1981AmericanFootballG[200]Ina-Yoko Teutenbergb. 1974GermanCyclistL[201]Mark Tewksburyb. 1968CanadianSwimmingG[141]Carole Thateb. 1971DutchField hockeyL[13]Gareth Thomasb. 1974WelshRugbyG[202]Ian Thorpeb. 1982AustralianSwimmingG[203]Bill Tilden1893–1953AmericanTennisG[204]Ted Tinling1910–1990EnglishTennisG[205]Esera Tuaolob. 1968AmericanAmerican footballG[206]Marcus Urbanb. 1971GermanFootballG[207]Sarah Vaillancourtb. 1985CanadianIce hockeyL[101]Michele Van Gorpb. 1977AmericanBasketballL[208]Dan Veatchb. 1965AmericanSwimmingG[209]Mike Verschuurb. 1987DutchMotor racingG[210]Lisa-Marie Vizaniarib. 1971AustralianTrack and field; BoxingL[211]Tom Waddell1937–1987AmericanDecathlon; Creator of the Gay Games.G[212]Jackie Walker1950–2002AmericanAmerican footballG[213]Louisa Wallb. 1972New ZealanderRugbyL[214]Ji Wallaceb. 1977AustralianGymnasticsG[215]Sarah Walshb. 1983AustralianFootballL[216]Abby Wambachb. 1980AmericanFootballL[217]Jeffrey Wammesb. 1987DutchGymnasticsG[218]Ann Wautersb. 1980BelgianBasketballL[219]Johnny Weirb. 1984AmericanFigure skatingG[220]Rick Weltsb. 1953AmericanBasketball executiveG[221]Peter Wherrett1936–2009AustralianMotor racingT[222]Diane Whipple1968–2001AmericanLacrosseL[223]Sue Wicksb. 1966AmericanBasketballL[224]Marieke Wijsmanb. 1975DutchSpeed skatingL[225]David Wilsonb. ?CanadianFigure skatingG[226]Chris Wittyb. 1975AmericanSpeed SkatingL[201]Andrea Worrallb. 1977WelshFootballL[227]Ireen Wüstb. 1986DutchSpeed skatingB[101][228]Alissa Wykesb. 1967AmericanAmerican footballL[229]Darren Youngb. 1983AmericanProfessional wrestlingG[230]Cyd Zeigler, Jr.b. 1973AmericanJournalistG[231]Sharnee Zoll-Normanb. 1986AmericanBasketballL [232]
July 17, 201412 yr This is totally wrong. He's not the first openly gay athlete ever. What he is is the first athlete that admitted to being gay before the NFL draft. Here is a list you can see for yourself. List of LGBT sportspeople - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Graham Ackermanb. 1983AmericanGymnasticsG[4]Nicola Adamsb. 1982EnglishBoxingB[5]Marilyn Agliottib. 1979DutchField hockeyL[6]Stephen Alexanderb. 1978AmericanCoachT[7]Jenny Allardb. ?AmericanSoftballL[8]Kye Allumsb. 1989AmericanBasketballT[9]John Amaechib. 1970EnglishBasketballG[10]Eric Andersonb. 1968AmericanCoachG[11]Nadine Angererb. 1978GermanFootballB[12]Alyson Annanb. 1973AustralianField hockeyL[13]Rebekka Armstrongb. 1967AmericanBodybuildingL[14]Judith Arndtb. 1976GermanCyclingL[15]Mianne Baggerb. 1966DanishGolfT[16]Clare Baldingb. 1971EnglishJockeyL[17]Jim Barnett1924–2004AmericanWrestlingG[18]Betty Baxterb. 1952CanadianVolleyballL[19]Billy Beanb. 1964AmericanBaseballG[20]Shelley Beattie1967–2008AmericanBodybuildingL[21]Kajsa Bergqvistb.1976SwedishTrack and fieldB[22]Thomas Berlingb. 1979NorwegianFootballG[23]Mark Bingham1970–2001AmericanRugbyG[24]John Blankenstein1949–2006DutchFootballG[25]Brian Boitanob. 1963AmericanFigure SkatingG[26]Yvette Bovab. 1962AmericanBodybuildingB[27]Sabine Braunb. 1965GermanTrack and fieldL[28]Belle Brockhoffb. 1993AustralianSnowboardL[29]Chantal de Bruijnb. 1976DutchField HockeyL[30]Steve Buckleyb. 1956AmericanJournalistG[31]Anastasia Bucsisb. 1989CanadianSpeed SkatingL[32]Brendan Burke1988–2010AmericanIce hockeyG[33]Glenn Burke1952–1995AmericanBaseballG[34]Balian Buschbaumb. 1980GermanTrack and fieldT[35]Ivan Bussens1960–2007EnglishWater poloG[36]Jeffrey Buttleb. 1982CanadianFigure skatingG[37]Latasha Byearsb. 1973AmericanBasketballL[38]Caitlin Cahowb. 1985AmericanIce hockeyL[39]J. P. Calderonb. 1975AmericanVolleyballG[40]Liz Carmoucheb. 1984AmericanMixed martial artsL[41]Betty Carstairs1900–1993EnglishMotor racingL[42]Parinya Charoenpholb. 1981ThaiBoxingT[43]Jason Collinsb. 1978AmericanBasketballG[44]Natalie Cookb. 1975AustralianBeach volleyballL[45]Roberta Cowell1918–2011BritishMotor racingT[46]Gottfried von Cramm1909–1976GermanTennisB[47]Scott Cranhamb. 1954CanadianDiverG[48]Toller Cranstonb. 1949CanadianFigure skatingB[49]Lisa Crossb. 1978EnglishBodybuildingB[50]Orlando Cruzb. 1981Puerto-RicanBoxingG[51]John Curry1949–1994EnglishFigure skatingG[52]Donal Óg Cusackb. 1977IrishHurlingG[53]Tom Daleyb. 1994EnglishDivingB[54]Steven Daviesb. 1986EnglishCricketG[55]Wade Davisb. 1977AmericanAmerican footballG[56]Casey Dellacquab. 1985AustralianTennisL[57]Chris Dickersonb. 1939AmericanBodybuildingG[58]Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvelb. 1987DutchField hockeyL[59]Michael Dos Santosb. 1983BrazilianVolleyballG[60]Robert Doverb. 1956AmericanEquestrianG[61]Nancy Droletb. 1973CanadianIce hockeyL[62]Michelle Duffb. 1939CanadianMotor racingT[63]Michelle Dumaresqb. 1971CanadianMountain bikingT[64]Imke Duplitzerb. 1975GermanFencingL[65]Justin Fashanu1961–1998EnglishFootballG[66]Freda du Faur1882–1935AustralianMountaineeringL[67]John Fennellb. 1995CanadianLugeG[68]Gigi Fernándezb. 1964Puerto-RicanTennisL[69]Amini Fonuab. 1989Tongan/New ZealandSwimmingG[70]Fallon Foxb. 1975/76AmericanMixed martial artsT[71]Travon Freeb. ?AmericanBasketballB[72]Edward Galb. 1970DutchEquestrianG[73]Rudy Galindob. 1969AmericanFigure skatingG[74]Vicky Galindob. 1983AmericanSoftballB[75]Ed Gallagher1958–2005AmericanAmerican footballG[76]Melanie Garside-Wightb. 1979EnglishFootballL[77]Terry Garvin?-1998CanadianWrestlingG[78]Jane Geddesb. 1960AmericanGolfL[79]Alan Gendreaub. 1989AmericanAmerican footballG[80]Jessie Godderzb. 1980AmericanBodybuildingG[81]Derrick Gordonb. 1991AmericanBasketballG[82]Bobby Goldsmith1946–1983AustralianSwimmingG[83]Andrew Goldsteinb. 1983AmericanLacrosseG[84]LZ Grandersonb. 1972AmericanJournalistG[85]Brittney Grinerb. 1990AmericanBasketballL[86]Emile Griffith1938–2013AmericanBoxingB[87]Joan Guetschowb. 1966AmericanBiathlonL[88]Peter Häggströmb. 1976SwedishTrack and fieldG[89]Matthew Hallb. 1970CanadianFigure skatingG[90]Gro Hammersengb. 1980NorwegianHandballL[91]Kyle Hawkinsb. 1970AmericanLacrosseG[92]Kwame Harrisb. 1982AmericanAmerican footballG[1]Bruce Hayesb. 1963AmericanSwimmingG[93]Sandra Haynieb. 1943AmericanGolfL[94]Mathew Helmb. 1980AustralianDivingG[95]Isabell Herlovsenb. 1988NorwegianFootballL[96]Thomas Hitzlspergerb. 1982GermanFootballG[97]Edel Therese Høisethb. 1966NorwegianSpeed skatingL[98]Ursula Hollb. 1982GermanFootballL[99]Erika Holstb. 1979SwedishIce hockeyL[100]Mia Hundvinb. 1977NorwegianHandballB[101]Anton Hysénb. 1990SwedishFootballG[102]Helen Jacobs1908–1997AmericanTennisL[103]Angela Jamesb. 1964CanadianIce hockeyL[104]Patrick Jeffreyb. 1965AmericanDivingG[105]Dorte Dalum Jensenb. 1978DanishFootballL[106]Barbara Jezeršekb. 1986SlovenianCross-country skiingL[107]Gus Johnstonb. 1979AustralianField hockeyG[108]Rosie Jonesb. 1959AmericanGolfL[109]Steffi Jonesb. 1972American-GermanFootballL[110]Orlando Jordanb. 1974AmericanWrestlingB[111]Natasha Kaib. 1983AmericanFootballL[65]Chris Kanyon1970–2010AmericanWrestlingG[112]Peter Karlsson1966–1995SwedishIce hockeyG[113]Johan Kenkhuisb. 1980DutchSwimmingG[114]Sanne van Kerkhofb. 1987DutchSpeed skatingL[115]Billie Jean Kingb. 1943AmericanTennisL[116]Ilana Klossb. 1956AmericanTennisL[117]Dominik Kollb. 1984AustrianSwimmingG [118]David Kopayb. 1942AmericanAmerican footballG[119]Daniel Kowalskib. 1975AustralianSwimmingG[120]Andreas Kriegerb. 1966GermanTrack and fieldT[121]Charline Labontéb. 1982CanadianIce hockeyL[122]Kim Lammersb. 1981DutchField hockeyL[123]Jessica Landströmb. 1984SwedishFootballL[124]Lauren Lappinb. 1984AmericanSoftballL[125]Mark Leduc1962–2009CanadianBoxingG[126]Hedvig Lindahlb. 1983SwedishFootballL[127]Ylva Lindbergb. 1976SwedishIce hockeyL[100]Lori Lindseyb. 1980AmericanFootballL[128]Ari-Pekka Liukkonenb. 1989FinnishSwimmingG[129]Joanna Lohmanb. 1982AmericanFootballL[130]Greg Louganisb. 1960AmericanDivingG[131]Hana Mandlíkováb. 1962CzechTennisL[132]Brian Marshallb. 1965CanadianHigh jumpG[133]Christy Martinb. 1968AmericanBoxingL[134]Amélie Mauresmob. 1979FrenchTennisL[135]Robert McCall1958–1991CanadianFigure skatingG[136]Ray McDonald1944–1993AmericanAmerican footballG[137]Lindsy McLeanb. 1938AmericanAmerican footballG[138]Linda Medalenb. 1965NorwegianFootballL[139]Conner Mertensb. 1994/1995AmericanAmerican footballB[140]Harriet Metcalfb. 1958AmericanRowingL[141]Hans Peter Minderhoudb. 1973DutchEquestrianG[73]Matthew Mitchamb. 1988AustralianDivingG[142]Chris Morganb. 1973EnglishPowerliftingG[143]Jim Morrisb. 1935AmericanBodybuildingG[144]Chris Mosierb. 1980AmericanTriathleteT[145]Nadine Müllerb. 1985GermanDiscus ThrowingL[146]Martina Navratilovab. 1956Czech-AmericanTennisL[147]Ondrej Nepela1951–1989SlovakianFigure skatingG[49]Robert Newtonb. 1981EnglishTrack and fieldG[148]Bente Nordbyb. 1974NorwegianFootballL[106]Scott Nortonb. 1982AmericanBowlingG[149]Diana Nyadb. 1949AmericanSwimmingL[150]Katja Nybergb. 1979SwedishHandballL[151]Graeme Obreeb. 1965ScottishCyclingG[152]Ryan O'Mearab. 1984AmericanIce dancingG[153]Brian Orserb. 1961CanadianFigure skatingG[154]Nigel Owensb. 1971WelshRugbyG[155]Dave Palloneb. 1951AmericanBaseballG[156]Bob Parisb. 1959Canadian-AmericanBodybuildingG[157]Sandy Parkerb. 1952CanadianWrestlingL[158]Lily Parr1905–1978EnglishFootballL[159]Anja Pärsonb. 1981SwedishDownhill SkiingL[160]Pat Pattersonb. 1941CanadianWrestlingG[161]Maartje Paumenb. 1985DutchField hockeyL[59]Lee Pearsonb. 1974EnglishEquestrianG[162]Otto Peltzer1900–1970GermanTrack and fieldG[163]Mike Penner1957–2009AmericanJournalistT[164]Beate Petersb. 1959GermanTrack and fieldL[28]David Pichlerb. 1968AmericanDivingG[165]Aslie Pitterb. 1960EnglishFootballG[166]Brian Pockar1959–1992CanadianFigure skatingG[136]Hope Powellb. 1966EnglishFootballL[167]Megan Rapinoeb. 1985AmericanFootballL[168]Lisa Raymondb. 1973AmericanTennisL[169]Stephen Rhodesb. 1984AmericanMotor racingG[170]Renée Richardsb. 1934AmericanTennisT[171]Helen Richardson-Walshb. 1981BritishField HockeyL[172]Kate Richardson-Walshb. 1980BritishField HockeyL[173]Ian Robertsb. 1965AustralianRugby leagueG[174]Ronald Robertson1937–2000AmericanFigure skatingG[175]Petra Rossnerb. 1966GermanCyclingL[15]Olivier Rouyerb. 1955FrenchFootballG[176]Robbie Rogersb. 1987AmericanFootballG[177]Matthew Rushb. 1972AmericanBodybuildingG[178]Jaiyah Saeluab. 1988SamoanFootballT[179]Michael Samb. 1990AmericanAmerican footballG[180]Angela Salvagnob. 1976AmericanBodybuildingB[181]Caroline Segerb. 1985SwedishFootballL[182]Victoria Sandell Svenssonb. 1977SwedishFootballL[183]Lianne Sandersonb. 1988EnglishFootballL[130]Erik Schineggerb. 1948AustrianDownhill SkiingT[184]Patty Sheehanb. 1956AmericanGolfL[185]Will Sheridanb. 1985AmericanBasketballG[186]Eudy Simelane1977–2008South AfricanFootballL[187]Roy Simmons1956-2014AmericanAmerican footballG[188]Brian Simsb. 1978AmericanAmerican footballG[189]Blake Skjellerupb. 1985New ZealanderSpeed skatingG[190]Vibeke Skofterudb. 1980NorwegianCross country skiingB[101]Jerry Smith1943–1986AmericanAmerican footballB[191]Judy Sowinski1940–2011AmericanRoller derbyL[192]Muffin Spencer-Devlinb. 1953AmericanGolfL[147]Helen Stephens1918 - 1994AmericanTrack and fieldL[193]Casey Stoneyb. 1982EnglishFootballL[194]Beth Storryb. 1978BritishField HockeyL[195]Rennae Stubbsb. 1971AustralianTennisL[169]Pia Sundhageb. 1960SwedishFootballL[196]Sheryl Swoopesb. 1971AmericanBasketballB[197]Stacy Sykorab. 1977AmericanVolleyballL[198]Blyth Taitb. 1961New ZealanderEquestrianG[199]David Testob. 1981AmericanFootballG[200]Ina-Yoko Teutenbergb. 1974GermanCyclistL[201]Mark Tewksburyb. 1968CanadianSwimmingG[141]Carole Thateb. 1971DutchField hockeyL[13]Gareth Thomasb. 1974WelshRugbyG[202]Ian Thorpeb. 1982AustralianSwimmingG[203]Bill Tilden1893–1953AmericanTennisG[204]Ted Tinling1910–1990EnglishTennisG[205]Esera Tuaolob. 1968AmericanAmerican footballG[206]Marcus Urbanb. 1971GermanFootballG[207]Sarah Vaillancourtb. 1985CanadianIce hockeyL[101]Michele Van Gorpb. 1977AmericanBasketballL[208]Dan Veatchb. 1965AmericanSwimmingG[209]Mike Verschuurb. 1987DutchMotor racingG[210]Lisa-Marie Vizaniarib. 1971AustralianTrack and field; BoxingL[211]Tom Waddell1937–1987AmericanDecathlon; Creator of the Gay Games.G[212]Jackie Walker1950–2002AmericanAmerican footballG[213]Louisa Wallb. 1972New ZealanderRugbyL[214]Ji Wallaceb. 1977AustralianGymnasticsG[215]Sarah Walshb. 1983AustralianFootballL[216]Abby Wambachb. 1980AmericanFootballL[217]Jeffrey Wammesb. 1987DutchGymnasticsG[218]Ann Wautersb. 1980BelgianBasketballL[219]Johnny Weirb. 1984AmericanFigure skatingG[220]Rick Weltsb. 1953AmericanBasketball executiveG[221]Peter Wherrett1936–2009AustralianMotor racingT[222]Diane Whipple1968–2001AmericanLacrosseL[223]Sue Wicksb. 1966AmericanBasketballL[224]Marieke Wijsmanb. 1975DutchSpeed skatingL[225]David Wilsonb. ?CanadianFigure skatingG[226]Chris Wittyb. 1975AmericanSpeed SkatingL[201]Andrea Worrallb. 1977WelshFootballL[227]Ireen Wüstb. 1986DutchSpeed skatingB[101][228]Alissa Wykesb. 1967AmericanAmerican footballL[229]Darren Youngb. 1983AmericanProfessional wrestlingG[230]Cyd Zeigler, Jr.b. 1973AmericanJournalistG[231]Sharnee Zoll-Normanb. 1986AmericanBasketballL [232] Redo that list and only have the NFL, NBA and MLB on it. Then look at the names and say which ones came out of the closet at the begininng of their pro career or during it. People like Jon Amechi and Jason Collins who announced it after their career was over(save for Collins brief stint in the NBA this season) and then let's look at it again.
July 17, 201412 yr While I am opposed to homosexuality, I can also recognize that there was courage involved in what Sam did. However, I don't believe it is anywhere comparable to Pat Tillman, Nelson Mandela, the 4 guys who helped bring down United Flight 93, Arthur Ashe himself, & some of the others who have been awarded in the past.
July 17, 201412 yr Sams winning the Arthur Ashe courage award only adds to my feelings about the Espy's in general. I watch the ESPY's but let's not act like they are the Grammys, Emmys or Oscars. No athlete is playing their sport so they can get an ESPY. That's the other thing I find funny about the people complaining about Sam winning the Arthur Ashe Award. It's the ESPY's. Who really cares and complains about the ESPY's? It's a night when athletes and celebrities and ESPN have a big party.
July 17, 201412 yr While I am opposed to homosexuality, I can also recognize that there was courage involved in what Sam did. However, I don't believe it is anywhere comparable to Pat Tillman, Nelson Mandela, the 4 guys who helped bring down United Flight 93, Arthur Ashe himself, & some of the others who have been awarded in the past. The only people comparing it to that are the Sam complainers.
July 17, 201412 yr The only people comparing it to that are the Sam complainers. He received the same award they did, so the award givers are the ones who initially made the comparison. Myself and others disagree with that comparison.
July 17, 201412 yr While I am opposed to homosexuality, I can also recognize that there was courage involved in what Sam did. However, I don't believe it is anywhere comparable to Pat Tillman, Nelson Mandela, the 4 guys who helped bring down United Flight 93, Arthur Ashe himself, & some of the others who have been awarded in the past. I was trying to think of how to word a post on this topic...and Randy you pretty much summed up my feelings fairly closely, and better than anything I was coming up with to post. I have a different definition of courage I guess than some others do. In a "pro-homosexual" atmosphere in a time today when someone speaks against homosexuality they are shouted down as "homo-phobic", "backwards", "redneck", etc...I don't find him to be particularly courageous. Sorry, I just don't.
July 17, 201412 yr No issue with this at all. What Sam did took an immense amount of courage. People clamor that if homosexuals want equality, then why do they feel the need to "come out", and to me it's really simple. We aren't anywhere close to equality. If we had true equality in that regard, people wouldn't have to come out, they could just be themselves at all times. Sam coming out will help us get there. As will the next time a professional athlete decides to come out while in the midst of their pro career. Each time something like this happens, and we realize that anyone could be gay, the more accepting people will become and the closer will get to equality. Right now, if Aaron Rodgers was seen at a bar kissing a chick, no one would pay it any thought or attention. If Aaron Rodgers was seen at a bar kissing a guy, it would be front-page headlines all across the country. That's why this is a big deal. Until each situation is met with the same "who cares" reaction, equality is still a far cry off.
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