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edhopper

(33,562 posts) Thu Mar 28, 2013, 09:45 AM Mar 2013

There is not a single active pro athlete in American team sports who is openly gay.

Last edited Thu Mar 28, 2013, 11:12 AM - Edit history (1)

Basic statistics would tell us that there must be a number of major league players who are gay.
But none find the situation secure enough to come out.
I find this a very disheartening and sad commentary on our culture.

4 replies

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There is not a single active pro athlete in American team sports who is openly gay. (Original Post) edhopper Mar 2013 OP

Okay, I guess this goes to the interpretation of how we define "American sports", but bullwinkle428 Mar 2013 #1

Figure skating is not a sport? sadbear Mar 2013 #2

Martina Navratilova for one. Helen Reddy Mar 2013 #3

I edited my post to say edhopper Mar 2013 #4

bullwinkle428

(20,629 posts)

1. Okay, I guess this goes to the interpretation of how we define "American sports", but

Reply to edhopper (Original post)

Thu Mar 28, 2013, 09:54 AM

Mar 2013

on the PBA (professional bowling) Tour, Scott Norton is openly gay, and one of the very best in the sport this season.

"ESPN set a new precedent over the weekend by airing what may be the first professionally-shot footage of an openly gay athlete kissing his husband after a victory.

As Outsports is reporting, professional bowler Scott Norton smooched his husband Craig Woodward after winning the 2012 PBA Chameleon Championship in Las Vegas.

Though the event was held in November, ESPN did not air the footage until Dec. 30. During the telecast, ESPN’s announcers referred to Woodward as Norton’s husband or spouse, Outsports also pointed out.

Norton tied the knot with Woodward, a United Healthcare executive, in October 2011."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/02/scott-norton-gay-professional-bowler-kisses-husband_n_2395921.html

As someone who follows the tour fairly closely, I can tell you that Norton is very well accepted by his fellow competitors, and is one of the absolutely nicest people you could ever meet!

sadbear

(4,340 posts)

2. Figure skating is not a sport?

Reply to edhopper (Original post)

Thu Mar 28, 2013, 09:56 AM

Mar 2013

Of course, I don't keep up with figure skating, so I have no idea who any of its active participants are.

Helen Reddy

(998 posts)

3. Martina Navratilova for one.

Reply to edhopper (Original post)

Thu Mar 28, 2013, 10:00 AM

Mar 2013

She may be 56 but she still plays for pay.

edhopper

(33,562 posts)

4. I edited my post to say

Reply to edhopper (Original post)

Thu Mar 28, 2013, 11:14 AM

Mar 2013

team sports. I was thinking of major league teams but was unclear in my post.
Of course you are all right about the sports you mention,.
But I am talking about the big pro team sports of Football, Basketball, Baseball etc...

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