Tag Archives: NFL

ICYMI: Sam came out yesterday and may become the first openly gay player in the NFL. (Tipped by JMG reader Aaron)

University of Missouri football star Michael Sam came out today. As an NFL draft prospect, Sam may become the first openly gay active player in the pro football. Coaches at the University of Missouri divided players into small groups at a preseason football practice last year for a team-building exercise. One by one, players were asked to talk about themselves …

“What is the true price of fame? The price of fame is what you risk when you have the platform. As an athlete, a role model for society, people listen to you. As an athlete, when you make a statement, that statement is heard, no matter what that statement is. Speak up for LBGTQ rights, for human rights, for empathy? …

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports: In a Tuesday appearance on Fox Sports Live, Kluwe retreated from his original stance on Priefer. While not backing down from what he alleged, Kluwe said, “After thinking about it, after reflecting on it, I don’t think an appropriate punishment is if he never coaches again. I think it would be better if he got …

Note that Kluwe is wearing a Principle Six hat.

“I’m glad they’re taking it seriously. This is something I wrote down, because it’s what happened to me, and I’m 100 percent confident in what I wrote, and there are witnesses that will back me up. Let the investigation begin.” – Chris Kluwe, telling USA Today that he intends to cooperate with the Vikings’ investigation to be conducted by the …

Lower right of this page. (Tipped by JMG reader Richard)

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports: The Vikings have called in former Chief Justice of Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel to lead the investigation into former punter Chris Kluwe’s allegations released on Thursday. “It is extremely important for the Vikings organization to react immediately and comprehensively with an independent review of …

“Just kidding, They don’t really exist.” (Via Memeographs)

“I have been a member of the Minnesota Vikings for 2 years. I want to start off by saying I have the utmost respect for Rick Spielman, Leslie Frazier and Mike Priefer. All three, are good men. I have had countless conversations and interactions with Coach Priefer, and I personally can attest to his integrity and character. His professionalism in …

An excerpt:  What Kluwe fails to grasp, as many in today’s society often do, is that NFL teams are private organizations: as such, they can release an employee for any reason that is not contrary to the law (e.g., race) and is not contractually forbidden. Moreover, the contracts players often sign with the teams include all manner of behavioral clauses, …

“I vehemently deny today’s allegations made by Chris Kluwe. I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals. I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member. The primary reason I entered coaching was to affect people in a positive …

“In Chris Kluwe’s eight years with the Vikings, not only was he an outstanding contributor to the team on the field – setting several team records— he was also a tremendous contributor off the field, for his advocacy for freedom and dignity for all Minnesotans. His decision to publicly announce his opposition to the marriage amendment came at a critical …

Earlier today former Minnesota Vikings punter and LGBT ally Chris Kluwe posted a Deadspin column in which he stated that he believes that he was released by the team because of anti-gay animus. Among Kluwe’s charges is that a Vikings coach said this in a team meeting: “We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and …

“Hello. My name is Chris Kluwe, and for eight years I was the punter for the Minnesota Vikings. In May 2013, the Vikings released me from the team. At the time, quite a few people asked me if I thought it was because of my recent activism for same-sex marriage rights, and I was very careful in how I answered …

Via Guns & Ammo: Daniel Defense recently submitted a commercial to FOX to be played during the 2014 NFL Super Bowl XLVIII. Though the video doesn’t showcase one of the company’s popular DDM4 rifles, this paid advertisement spot was rejected by the NFL. The commercial, which focuses on themes of personal protection and fundamental rights, was originally created by Daniel …

From the Instagram account of the social media/sports app Fandium: “There are things you can and can’t do at an NFL game and security did not like this one! #miami #dolphins #security #speedo #nfl #sunlifestadium #sundayfunday #sunday #football #sdvsmia #fandium #getinthegame.”

The internet collectively gasped yesterday when the Onion took its latest shot at the long-running controversy over the name of the Washington Redskins. WASHINGTON—Denying widespread claims that the franchise is being offensive or disrespectful, the Washington Redskins’ kike owner announced Monday that he remains steadfast in his refusal to change the team’s derogatory name. “The Redskins represent 81 years of …

Last month I reported that retired NFL Hall Of Fame inductee Steve Young had agreed to speak at the convention of Affirmation, the organization for gay Mormons. That speech took place this weekend. Gay Star News recaps: The former athlete spoke about how his faith helped him through his studies and his sports career, offering anecdotes of inspiration for the …