The Inside Story of How the NFL's Plan for Its 1st Openly Gay Player Fell Apart

[gbgary]

as one commenter (jrz) on the article said:

Nonsense, he was released because he was due 1.45 million, whereas a rookie could be had for 450 thousand. Plus, they got a guy who could credibly handle kickoff duty if Walsh was injured (Kluwe's never hit a touchback when he's had to fill in). Kluwe can claim martyrdom all he wants, he was released because the Vikings found a cheaper, as-good-and-potentially-better replacement.

[pbmax]

as one commenter (jrz) on the article said:

Nonsense, he was released because he was due 1.45 million, whereas a rookie could be had for 450 thousand. Plus, they got a guy who could credibly handle kickoff duty if Walsh was injured (Kluwe's never hit a touchback when he's had to fill in). Kluwe can claim martyrdom all he wants, he was released because the Vikings found a cheaper, as-good-and-potentially-better replacement.

There are a ton of reasons he could have been released. But that doesn't change his coach's reaction.

Also, given the Vikings year, they may have wanted to spend that 5th round pick elsewhere. Are they cash strapped?

[mraynrand]

There are a ton of reasons he could have been released. But that doesn't change his coach's reaction.

UNBALANCED!!

(seriously though, you wonder at the amount of embellishment)

[pbmax]

UNBALANCED!!

(seriously though, you wonder at the amount of embellishment)

Yes, corroboration would be nice.

[MJZiggy]

Yes, corroboration would be nice.

Or a statement from anyone else. However the Deadspin piece is pretty detailed. Interesting timing on the topic. And as you all have moved forward in this discussion while I was busy earning a living...My statement was in response to another statement. What they needed to do to get to the point that a current player could come out without a single wave being made about it is what I was referring to...context is key. Also, I'm not sure anyone here is saying that any needs to or should be forced to come out. What folks are saying is that if they choose to, it shouldn't be to the detriment of their careers. In order for that to happen, someone somewhere would have to make the first step and that is why it is a topic of conversation. Gay players cannot live their lives the same as straight ones as Max mentioned. You don't see the cameras cut to a player's BF in the stands cheering him on. Because no player can admit to having a boyfriend without worrying about losing millions of dollars. If you're sick of hearing about it and want the media to shut up about it already, then make sure that gay marriage is legal everywhere and it instantly becomes a non-issue because there would be nothing left to say. Simple solution. That Chris Kluwe could make a credible case that he was fired for just talking about gay rights without actually even BEING gay tells you that the league is not as enlightened as you like to think it is. It's not about acceptance, but equal treatment under the law.

[mraynrand]

That Chris Kluwe could make a credible case that he was fired for just talking about gay rights ...

is it really credible?

Yes, corroboration would be nice.

Or a statement from anyone else.

If you're sick of hearing about it and want the media to shut up about it already, then make sure that gay marriage is legal everywhere and it instantly becomes a non-issue

Is that what needs to be done to make it a "non-issue?" I suppose if there is no opposition then it's a non-issue. Make sure everyone thinks exactly the same. But that's what I've been saying all along, the next generation is on board and the push is to silence people opposed and turn them into the pariahs. Tolerance is not the objective.

[Rodgers12]

Or a statement from anyone else. However the Deadspin piece is pretty detailed. Interesting timing on the topic. And as you all have moved forward in this discussion while I was busy earning a living...My statement was in response to another statement. What they needed to do to get to the point that a current player could come out without a single wave being made about it is what I was referring to...context is key. Also, I'm not sure anyone here is saying that any needs to or should be forced to come out. What folks are saying is that if they choose to, it shouldn't be to the detriment of their careers. In order for that to happen, someone somewhere would have to make the first step and that is why it is a topic of conversation. Gay players cannot live their lives the same as straight ones as Max mentioned. You don't see the cameras cut to a player's BF in the stands cheering him on. Because no player can admit to having a boyfriend without worrying about losing millions of dollars. If you're sick of hearing about it and want the media to shut up about it already, then make sure that gay marriage is legal everywhere and it instantly becomes a non-issue because there would be nothing left to say. Simple solution. That Chris Kluwe could make a credible case that he was fired for just talking about gay rights without actually even BEING gay tells you that the league is not as enlightened as you like to think it is. It's not about acceptance, but equal treatment under the law.

+1

[MJZiggy]

is it really credible?







Is that what needs to be done to make it a "non-issue?" I suppose if there is no opposition then it's a non-issue. Make sure everyone thinks exactly the same. But that's what I've been saying all along, the next generation is on board and the push is to silence people opposed and turn them into the pariahs. Tolerance is not the objective.

I said nothing about everyone thinking the same. I said let 'em get married to who they want (provided who they want is a consenting adult) and everyone will stop discussing whether gay people should be able to get married. You don't have to dance at the wedding (though having been at a gay pride parade or two in my life, and one of them in New Orleans no less, the parties I've been to have always been worth dancing at). You're right. The younger generation is on board, and gay marriage will eventually be legal everywhere and even NFL players will be able to be open about who they're dating no matter who it is (provided it's a consenting adult).

[woodbuck27]

I had a hard time buying that Priefer had that kind of pull, until I read in his article that the Pioneer Press said he was the only in house candidate with a chance.

Then on Twitter I discovered he interviewed with the Bears for the HC job last year. Harbaugh, Cowher and whatshisface have really improved the visibility of the ST Coordinator.

"Harbaugh, Cowher and ** whatshisface ** have really improved the visibility of the ST Coordinator." pbmax

** This fella? **

Brian Schneider - Special Teams Coach - Seattle Seahawks

[pbmax]

"Harbaugh, Cowher and ** whatshisface ** have really improved the visibility of the ST Coordinator." pbmax

** This fella? **

Brian Schneider - Special Teams Coach - Seattle Seahawks

Nope, I was thinking of Belichick. He started as a ST coach.

[woodbuck27]

the sexual behavior is the issue. Otherwise you're just talking about close friends

** Do you believe it's right in any way, shape, manner or form that a persons sexual choice or positive stance in a same sex marriage or equivalent, should suffer:

a) Any regret in the form of condemnation by the powers to be?

b) A loss of any freedom to viably secure work in his chosen field?

** Do you believe that any man should be applauded for condemning 'in any manner', a same sex relationship; based on his interpretations of whatever doctrine (s) he deems as his compass for his personal moral manner of living?

[woodbuck27]

The NFL may be a tough nut to crack:




Former Vikings punter says he lost job due to stance on gay marriage
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/chri...-mike-priefer/

Perhaps part excuse-making, but will be interesting to see if Kluwe ever punts again. I guess Tampa Bay won't be calling.

Why won't Tampa Bay be calling Chris Kluwe's agent mraynrand?

[woodbuck27]

as one commenter (jrz) on the article said:

Nonsense, he was released because he was due 1.45 million, whereas a rookie could be had for 450 thousand. Plus, they got a guy who could credibly handle kickoff duty if Walsh was injured (Kluwe's never hit a touchback when he's had to fill in). Kluwe can claim martyrdom all he wants, he was released because the Vikings found a cheaper, as-good-and-potentially-better replacement.

RE: that ..... one commenter (jrz) uses clear propaganda to drive home the stake.

There Ladies and Gentleman is 'the Company Line'.

'Stick that wherever' and don't challenge it. If you do so we don't ever need this discussion.

Once again 'Freedoms become a matter for ** those in POWER* '.

** Their prejudices, greeds and petty fears amongst other insults towards the common person.

[mraynrand]

Why won't Tampa Bay be calling Chris Kluwe's agent mraynrand?

Frasier is Lovie's D-coor

[woodbuck27]

is it really credible?







Is that what needs to be done to make it a "non-issue?" I suppose if there is no opposition then it's a non-issue. Make sure everyone thinks exactly the same. But that's what I've been saying all along, the next generation is on board and the push is to silence people opposed and turn them into the pariahs. Tolerance is not the objective.

" Tolerance is not the objective." mraynrand

Tolerance is based in opinion that's too often based in lifestyle or a certain familial / environmental upbringing.

The objective is a clear environment in the NFL, based on simple FREEDOMS of choice; ie one's sexuality as a non-issue nor non-threatening in any manner.