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Former NBA Player 'Hates Gays'
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| Feb. 20, 2007 -- Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway caused an uproar last week with virulently anti-gay remarks. Use these resources to discuss the statements and build a gay-friendly athletics environment in your school. |
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| compiled by Jennifer Holladay |
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NBA All-Star: "I Hate Gay People"
A week after former NBA center John Amaechi revealed he is gay, retired Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway went on local talk radio to spew anti-gay venom, going so far as to say, "[Homosexuality] shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."
In Context
:: John Amaechi Comes Out
:: Hardaway's Gay-bashing Draws Ire from NBA Stars, including Charles Barkley who staged a same-sex kiss this weekend in Vegas, presumably in protest of the remarks
:: Hardaway Apologizes; Amaechi Appreciates the Honesty
:: Homophobia Faced by Gay and Lesbian Athletes, plus FAQs About LGBT People in Sports
:: From Basketball to Speed Skating: A Listing of Gay Athletes
Questions for Classroom Discussion
- Hardaway describes himself as "homophobic." How would you define that term?
- One commentator asserts that Hardaway's statements represent "outright hatred" instead of mere discomfort with homosexuality. Is there a difference between the two? Why?
- When Hardaway apologized, he said, "I regret it … I shouldn't have said I hate gay people, or anything like that." Is this an apology for making the statements, the sentiments of his statements or both? Why?
- Why do you think John Amaechi chose to come out only after retiring from the NBA? Of the gay athletes in the above listing, how many came out while still active in their sports?
- Describe some reasons why it may be difficult to be out as a gay athlete.
- What do you think it would be like to be a gay athlete at your school?
Resources for Action
:: Tim Hardaway is a coach for the Continental Basketball Association's Miami Majesty. After discussing his comments, write a class letter to the CBA about Hardaway's statements and how they reflect upon the organization:
By email: info@cbahoopsonline.com
By snail mail:
CBA League Offices
195 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
Attn: Benito R. Fernandez - Chair, CBA Executive Committee; Joe Clark - Vice President, CBA Executive Committee; Dennis Truax - CBA Director of Operations
:: It Takes a Team: Education Campaign for LGBT Issues in Sports, including action guides for student athletes and coaches.
Contact us for permission to reprint this article. Please include the title of the article in your request, along with your school/organization's name and location. |
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