I'll assume that this goes under other sports though it's about the intrusion of politics and, perhaps religion, into sports.

The USA team will not have the chance to compare itself to the best in the world this year in Iran due to fear for their safety.

The reactions of some of the potential competitors is understandably torn. They've expended a lot of time and effort preparing for the meet and want to compete against the best.

It's really unfortunate that they wont be able to this year.

Are there any winners in this? I don't know. One thing I do know.

The sport loses

[ August 30, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

I believe this was a "Bottom" on Outsports a few days ago.....

Trevor

The art of wrestling

an inspiring image

worth revisiting

time and again

Well this isnt anything new. It goes along with the many protests by various countries over the years over where Olympic events are held, etc.
Its sad to think you cant send an athlete to a certain country for fear of their lives, but thats how it is. I dont think its a shot at the Iranian people. I think its just there are certain terrorists lingering in Iran and that region that could use an athlete as an easy target, which would also put the Iranian fans in jeopardy while they watched the match.

This may be a little off the topic but.... did anyone watch a WWF (or whatever its called) match last night in which one wrestler got down on one knee and asked another wrestler(both bleached blond hunks) to "be his partner for life" and offered him a ring. And, the wrestler accepted the ring and they hugged twice to the great "dismay" of the crowd. I was shocked!
Painter.

[quote]Originally posted by Painter:
This may be a little off the topic but.... did anyone watch a WWF (or whatever its called) match last night in which one wrestler got down on one knee and asked another wrestler(both bleached blond hunks) to "be his partner for life" and offered him a ring. And, the wrestler accepted the ring and they hugged twice to the great "dismay" of the crowd. I was shocked!
Painter.

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So did they wrestle to consumate the coupling?

You all may take Pro-Wrestling as a joke, but I think this can help us figure out how Sports Fans will take an "OUT" athlete, The WWE (as it is now called) has flirted w/ this b4, 2COOL (Scottie 2 Hottie & 2SEXY Brian Christopher) were supposed to have this story line 5yrs ago, and they had a lesbian story-line w/ Tori stalking Sable! Both fell thru, so it'll be interesting to see how this pans out! A lot of WWE fans are also Major-League sports fans, so lets see how the reaction is, if positive it may make a Pro athlete compfortable w/ coming out!

[quote] I think this can help us figure out how Sports Fans will take an "OUT" athlete

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You may have a point LAKERSRDABOMB.

Apparently Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor of Too Cool were scripted to play gay characters at one time and it was nixed by Christopher's father.

At least one fan says he(she?) wouldn't have a problem with that.

But I remember the Outsports article about the dubiousness of the gay image in wrestling.

I would be interested to know how the play Piledriver about a fictitious gay wrestler and conflicts he encounters, was recieved by it's audience.

As someone who admittedly never watches WWF, I would be interested to know how the gay-themed acts will play out.

I'm getting an education here about the WWF. I wonder if straight wrestling fans are learning anything about gay athletes.

[ September 07, 2002: Message edited by: sportinlife ]