The NFL included an openly gay speaker in the diversity training program at their rookie symposium in San Diego earlier this week for the first time since the first such symposium 10 years ago. Openly gay former NFL defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo was the featured speaker.

Tuaolo Addresses Gay Issues with NFL Rookies

It is great to see the NFL doing this. Now we just need the other pro sports leagues to catch up.

BRAVO!!!

Great article.

Tuaolo can make a difference.

Other leagues wont have this kind of opportunity until they have their own "Esera Tuaolo".

But football is the best place to start IMO. And this is the best way to start it. Way to go!

It is interesting that this story was published a week after the Ozzie Guillen comments. At least for the NFL, I can only hope that this project can be adapted in other leagues (from amateur to professional).

One step back, one step forward.

Thanks Cyd. I'm a lifelong Falcons fan and always follow news on Esera.

I'm pleasantly surprised at how the majority of Falcons fans on their messages boards are not homophobic. Maybe I'm sterotyping myself, but there are a few idiots who post some anti-gay stuff form time to time but they always get shot down immediately.

This is a good thing for the NFL. I can't wait until a big-time starter comes out of the closet one day.

Doesn't the outgoing Commisioner, Paul Taglibue, have a gay son? Think I've seen that discussed on here....In any case, this is pretty amazing; that the NFL is inclduing this in their rookie orientation...

This is the sort of thing we need to see more of and we are. The more our athletes come forward and share their stories the greater the transformation will happen. With guys like Bean and Tualo talking, it only makes it easier for guys still in the game to eventually come out and not live in fear.

Kudos to the NFL!

-Tyler Hoffman
Dir. Media/Public Relations
Gay & Lesbian Athletes Association
www.glpaa.org
"former professional umpire"

The San Diego Union Tribune ran an article on Tuaolo at the symposium.

from signonsandiego.com

The rookie who asked the question that Trotter mentioned in the article: LenDale White

good stuff..I hope to see more training spreading out to other sports in the future..

Esera is one of my biggest hero's. I was dating an nfl star when Esera came out. Talk about nervous football player in da house!LOL I commend Esera for being a man with pride and conviction. Speaking to the rookies in San Diego really touched me. There is so much homophobia in sports and so many gay men in them. Its such an oxymoron of sorts. Esera is making a huge difference. HUGE!! I love you man. Now drop that skinny white boy and come get you some chunky love!LOL wink

Jeff

Let’s hope you weren’t dating Shaun Alexander. Cyd’s JockTalk column on 8-1-06 had the very interesting item below:

"Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander was interviewed at the ESPYs by a reporter for the Howard Stern radio show. He asked Alexander if he'd have a problem with a gay teammate. "Not really. I think everybody's going to do their thing." He did say he didn't think it was "right," but he knew gay people and it wasn't a problem. He also said he didn't know of any gay athletes in the NFL. He also said he was a virgin until he got married.

Gee, how nice that Alexander would tolerate a gay teammate, even though he doesn't think being gay is "right." So big of him."


I want to know what kind of man is a virgin until he’s married. Even a woman saying that nowadays would raise eyebrows....

Especially a jock with all kinds of punanny thrown his way. Alexander could have had any woman he wanted in Tuscaloosa...