Unhealthy execution can at all times spoil “good” intentions. The league that hasn’t created a protected sufficient area for homosexual gamers is having a “Pride Night” throughout Tremendous Bowl week in Las Vegas. That is what a scarcity of self-awareness appears to be like like.
On Wednesday, February 7, the league will host the third annual “A Night of Pride with GLAAD’’ and feature a performance by singer-songwriter VINCINT. According to the NFL, the event will include conversations with GLAAD, “to spotlight advances in the future of LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports as well as the NFL’s commitment to LGBTQ former and current players.”
That is the half the place Michael Sam might be rolling his eyes, as the previous SEC Defensive Participant of the Yr (2013) grew to become the primary overtly homosexual participant to be drafted into the league, however didn’t play a single down in a regular-season sport — and you already know why. Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden as soon as referred to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a “f——-t” and a “clueless anti football pussy” in emails, and mentioned that the commissioner shouldn’t have pressured the Rams to draft “queers,” about Sam.
“Our Third Annual A Night of Pride with GLAAD is yet another strong step to accelerating acceptance and demonstrating the NFL’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ community,” mentioned NFL’s Senior Vice President and Chief Variety & Inclusion Officer, Jonathan Beane in a statement. “We look forward to continuing and strengthening our efforts to ensure football is for everyone.”
The league can also be internet hosting its second annual Satisfaction Flag Soccer Clinic on the Tremendous Bowl Expertise, in an try and be advocates of LGBTQ+ youth and members of the Nationwide Homosexual Flag Soccer League. In case you didn’t know, “Football is Gay,” because the league proudly declared all the way in which again in 2021 in a video spot, as they tried to behave like authorities on the matter. Within the video, the NFL additionally broke main information by alerting the world that soccer can also be “lesbian,” “beautiful,” “queer,” “transgender” and for “everyone.” Apparently, till 2021 the NFL didn’t know that any human being may play a sport.
“I actually hope that one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary, but until then, I am going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that is accepting, that is compassionate,” said Carl Nassib at the time. Nassib made historical past because the first openly gay player in NFL history when he got here out in 2021. He retired in 2023 after taking part in for 3 groups (Browns, Buccaneers, Raiders) in seven seasons.
“This is a bittersweet moment for me, but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze,” he posted on social media. “It really feels like just yesterday starting out as a walk-on at Penn State. Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had. Growing up, I loved how fun football was. I loved the pursuit of perfection. I loved the small window where every player has to chase their dreams. It makes it all the more exciting if you get there. It was always my dream to play in the NFL, even as a walk-on, and I really feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.”
For the reason that NFL has lastly realized that America’s favourite sport isn’t only for straight individuals, the occasion on the Tremendous Bowl is destined to be one other considered one of their failed makes an attempt of appearing as in the event that they care about social points, because the league has a protracted historical past of throwing cash round to make it seem as if severe issues are of the utmost significance, just for it later to be confirmed that it wasn’t. Nonetheless, right here’s to the occasion being a hit. And to the hopes that the league (sarcasm font) can have an analogous occasion subsequent 12 months by partnering with the NAACP to have fun Black homeowners — with out ever having a majority proprietor that’s Black.
