http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/...0904tadano.html

He appeared in a gay porn movie in Japan and on an Akron radio talk show he's said to be gay...


[Original thread title "Gay Baseball Player Coming to Cleveland" modified for clarity. - Outsports moderator]

[ January 28, 2004, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Interesting wording of the article....

So does this mean that he and/or his teammates performed these "acts of homosexuality"?

hmmmmm i wonder how much that video costs on Ebay??

This sounds encouraging.

Imagine if the first openly gay player in MLB turns out to be a rookie Japanese pitcher....

I'm just surprised no one has discussed this before.

How many freakin' times do they say "one-time"...I'm sure it was just "one time".

Four times by my count. "One-time mistake", "isolated incident", etc. The backpedaling here is amazing. What we have here is historic: public admission by a baseball player of homosexuality.

I'm sure it was more than once, if they have to take reshoots (no pun intended) and retakes of various scenes

Baby steps, guys, baby steps...

[ September 05, 2003, 06:56 AM: Message edited by: XfratboyX ]

OK, not to rain on anyone's parade, but who says this guy is actually gay or even did anything with another guy in this video? It is entirely possible that this is another Simon Rex-type situation, where he appears in a solo scene in a porn video geared towards gay men. As much as I'd like to see a gay baseball player in the majors... until I have more evidence, my hunch is that Tadano is not gay.

Was anyone else bothered by these quotes the Indians gave:

"It was our assessment that the event in the past was an isolated incident. It was not a pattern of current or future behavior. He was young and made a one-time mistake."

"There was an initial acknowledgement of his story, about his involvement in this one-time event. There was an understanding that he faced a tough road ahead and they truly felt for him. They admired the courage that he had to face up to the truth and openly discussed it with them."

"In the end, we felt confident that this isolated incident was not indicative of any future actions. Everything that has transpired since then has been evidence of that."

In a way, the article seems to be purposefully vague. Whenever the management uses the "one-time incident" you really don't know if they're just referring to the fact that it was porn--which I don't imagine any club out there today would publicly support (gay or straight), or if they're referring to the fact that it was porn AND that the player is gay. You really have no way of knowing one way or the other if the player is gay.

I somehow doubt, though, that the management would have the intent of meaning that his past being gay was a "one-time mistake", and that there would appear to be no chance of it reoccuring in the future...that would just be plain dumb. I would tend to believe it is merely reflective of the doing porn was a one-time mistake, and therefore leaves open the question of the player's sexual orientation...which I don't think should even enter the equation unless the player wants to discuss it openly. And the case is equally likely, IMHO, that he could be either...there's plenty of examples in the porn world of straight guys doing it for the money and gay guys doing it for the fantasy/satisfaction/money and other reasons.

Just my 2 cents.

http://www.japanesebaseball.com/forum/thre...m=2&thread=2255

In there it says the braves were close to signing him then negotitations stopped...

Here the feeling is on the airwaves that he is gay ....

I'm sure that there's many gay people who've had a "One Time" straight incident, so it's entirely possible that he may not even be gay, just experimenting like most young people do. Even if he were gay, I doubt that he'll ever come out while on a Major League Baseball team, even though, an openly gay player is long overdue in MLB!

There's no reason to seem really excited as of now. At least in this article it makes it sound like Tadano did the video for the money, not because he wanted to hump other guys before a camera. And the fact that the Indians don't think this will happen again makes it seem like it was really a situation of a struggling student doing porn for money.

Nothing in the article indicates that the clubhouse had issues of him being homosexual, or whether he even is. I say send Outsports to directly raise that question and then we'll see whether there's something to celebrate.

Article from Jim Rome website:

I wouldn't be surprised if this video is going to suddenly be available to buy if he gets to the majors.

In many, if not most cultures, the one who is the "inserter" is not gay. Only the "insertee" is gay.

Maybe the performance he gave was an exclusive top, if so, he's not considered gay in a lot places.

I have pretty much given up on defining sexuality strictly based on gender and individual acts.

Sexuality is so inherently a "sense" act and emotional act. I know some guys in my dorm in college who are completely straight- but with a little drinking and opportunity (possibly for female lacking) to enjoy the act of getting off with another person present... received or gave in different ways. It happens....sexuality is so dynamic and fluid.

I don't consider these guys gay- and if I were to enjoy the company and touch of a woman- massage, touching or whatever- the intimacy may permit me to do things I may not normally do- but I still consider myself gay....

I consider sex a combination of having an emotional connection with someone and when you have intimate moments with someone you are connected emotionally with- well- you allow yourself to explore intimacy.

God, I really didnt explain it well. I could have said- maye we shouldn't place a label on him.

I think I get where you're coming from kick. This may be the explanation to "fluid" sexuality that I've been pondering (the people who say they're one sexual orientation then say it's not clear cut).

Times definitely seem to be changing, though the pace is somewhat glacial.

In another thread, RobGinNC posted

Minor Leaguer Involved in Gay Porn

Check out the story that's on the front page of ESPN.com right now.

Minor Leaguer says it was a one time incident

The player is Kazuhito Tadano, a pitcher with the Cleveland Indians organization. He played Kinston, NC (A) and Akron, OH (AA) last season.

It's hard for me to figure out his quotes how feels both because of the langauge barrier and the disclosure of the video apparently cost him dearly in the Japanese Baseball draft.


The B Man replied

From the article:
"Tadano was one of Japan's top college pitchers"
BUT
Tadano added: "I'm not gay. I'd like to clear that fact up right now."


amazin12 replied

Wow! What a story! Thanks RobGinNC. I wonder what kind of treatment he will get from fans when he enters a game or when he warms up in the bullpen. I'd like to check out the video.


RobGinNC replied

I think the 'not gay' comment has to be damage control.

Does anyone know how many straight guys actually make gay porn?

I just really want to believe that it's possible that he's telling the truth and not just trying to get the media off his back.

On the other hand, I'd really like for a baseball player to come out. I'd just rather have him be honest from the start.

Regardless of his true orientation, I know I'll be one cheering for Tadano to make the Indians team. Something too look forward to when the Tribe visits Shea this year.

In another thread, David1969 posted

A Japanese pitcher in the Indians' system had a role in a gay porn video on the black market in Japan. Of course, in his announcement he quickly stated he's not gay, only that he was young and needed the money.

But it's interesting (and sad?) to note how he became a pariah in Japanese baseball when still shots from the video were published. No team in Japan wanted him.

On the other hand, as a minor league player here his teammates' reaction to the news has been muted. Wonder what will happen later on if he advances through the minors.

Interesting that this story has resurfaced, with the AP story appearing now on ESPN.com

-----------

C.C. Sabathia is quoted in the article:

"This is the right team and the right organization for him," Sabathia said. "We have good guys here. Everybody has done something that they regret in their lives. He's a person just like everyone else."

[ January 27, 2004, 07:48 PM: Message edited by: canmark ]

I wonder if Tadano thinks his mistake was that he appeared in a porn video, or the fact that it was a homosexual act in the video (or both). Or more importantly, what baseball fans think his mistake was.

[ January 27, 2004, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: pat125 ]

More than any other jounalists, sports journalists seem to ask themselves questions like, "should I report this story?" before writing inflamatory stories about sports figures, particularly those they like/respect. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. Many athletes' reputations have been protected from needless overexposure by a reporter quietly filing a story crossing his desk in the circular file, but it also leads to a paternalistic attitude of reporter knows best. I think the mainstream press in the US will never publish a still photo from those videos, no matter how innocuous. It will be a small story each time he joins a team, particularly if he continues his clubhouse speeches. However, even if a teammate chooses to say something stupid, I think the reporters will largely find they don't have enough room for that quote. Unless, of course, the poor boy becomes too big for his britches, in which case, the press will use this to crucify him.

Hi, guys. I read the article on Yahoo! Baseball. He claims that he's not gay. That's good enough for me.

Not to start a flame war, or anything like that, but I think the title of this thread is bothersome.

A lot of us (my age and many many more much older) have been involved in building a gay rights movement. I think, rightly or wrongly, that we are not in touch with those who are younger than us.

I'm proudly 42 yrs. of age. I grew up in a post-Stonewall world. (Stonewall - a word and history lost on many.) The long and short of it was that there was a sexual revolution. Issues of gender, issues of sexuality and issues of identity were fought and won. There was a Culture War (started by that great Luddite, Sen. Helms) was started. In each case we won.

What did each victory bring? I think it brought more light. And with more light, it brought a greater array of hues other than Black or White. Ladies and Gentlen, meet the multi-shaded Gray generation.

Madonna can kiss Brittany and Christina. And except for those who are easily shocked, it's really pretty ho-hum.

I believe him when he says he isn't gay.

Look, there are too many "Gay for Pay" folks to hold up as evidence. But I genuinely believe the ladd when he says he was young and money was the motivator.

I grew up loving baseball. I grew up loving men. I can't identify which came first or whatever else. I love the game with a passion that matches my passion for men. But I DO NOT CONFUSE THE TWO.

For those waiting for the great Gay Robinson of baseball, I suggest we retain our patience. I say let the ladd pitch and prove himself on the mound every 4 - 5 days. And good luck to him.

I really don't mean to offend anyone. But I'm gonna take his word on this one. Let's be brave and let this one go. When the real Gay Robinson comes along, let's celebrate that.

Johninseattle@msn.com

Butchie for President!

I have to agree and say that I wish I had written the post above. My baseball cap comes off to you, sir.

Damn, I love rational unapologetic gay pride!

Well said. In fairness, I don't think the original poster knew Tadano said he wasn't gay. Just because he isn't gay (assuming he is telling the truth) doesn't mean this won't affect the gay community. Tadano may not be the Gay Robinson but he is the first player to openly acknowledge "engaging in a homosexual act" before retiring. He is going to face the same taunting that an openly gay player would face. Many straight fans are not going to make the distinction. How he is treated by fans, players and the media may very well accelerate or delay the time when a gay player finally does comes out, so we do have a stake in this. This is not a situation anyone envisioned or desired but sometimes you have to play the hand you're dealt. This is a historic moment in the history of gays and sports.

[ January 28, 2004, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: claudew ]

Whether he is gay or not i dont think at this point is really a big thing. Like the above posts, let him prove himself on the mound first. I think it is still a while off before we see an out professional athlete. But hell whether there are or not, i am still going to keep watching and enjoying baseball. I dont participate in sports or follow them because someone is or may or may not be gay. Its just part of who i am that i love sports watching and playing them.

An historic moment where everyone involved - the player, the minor league team, the major league parent team - are quick to point out that he may have committed a "homosexual act" but isn't gay? Oh no, he's a real man that just needed the money, and everyone makes a mistake.

If this guy had appeared in a straight porno, it would barely have made the papers, and I doubt anyone would have cared. All this story reinforces is the idea that it is a horrible thing to be gay. I have no idea if this guy is gay or not (and like Butchie said, there are so many "gay for pay" porn stars - gay porn pays men better - that it would not surprise me for an instance that he is straight), but it is clear that the attitude of MLB is the same - gay=bad, straight=good, let's play ball!

I disagree. Porn carries a major taboo with it in our society, even more so in Japan. Yes he's dealing with two different taboos here, but there isn't a Porn Performers League Against Defemation (PPLAiD). In a profession as public and as media saturated as sports, the images of porn and the taboo it involves is far more dangerous to the teams in question than homosexuality.

Wonder if Cyd and Jim would let us view the video at the Outsports Convention, all in the interest of having an intellectual discussion after the video

I just posted a column on why I think this is no big deal.

If Tadano had been in a straight porn film, you can bet that the fans in even venerable Yankee Stadium would give him a standing ovation--a chance for guys to roar and strut their heterosexuality and masculinity. Tadano would be cheered just like the most outrageuos guy in the fraternity was--the guy that did what all the rest of the guys dreamed of doing.

Straight guy baseball fans may love their sport, but they love the inhibition, anonymity and dominance of the "stag party" mentality even more.

After his statement, I hope Tadano is straight. I'd hate to have to see him on "60 minutes" in fourteen years.

FYI...

http://www.globalgaydiscs.com/japanese1.htm

[ January 29, 2004, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Here's a column from today's Phila. Daily News.

Even if Tribe's porn star is gay, so what?

You beat me to it, Golfer 20--and given all the guys pictured are doing, maybe he ain't gay, but he ain't straight either...except straight to the mattress with his legs in the air!

[ February 02, 2004, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: fantomas ]

Is this true about Japan? Actually straight men read pornographic comic books, often depicting sadomasochistic sex, with teenage and semi-adolescent girls--ON THE SUBWAYS in Japan--and you can find pornographic manga and other sorts of pornographic and sexually explicit works all over the place there. Actually, pornography and semi-artistic depictions of sex acts and erotica (especially involving women and bondage) have a long--very long--tradition in Japan, and in fact Japanese poets and novelists have been writing rather graphic works for some times.

Finally, homosexuality as well has a long tradition in Japan--it's quite well known that homosexuality was prevalent among the samurai--the most recent Tom Cruise trash film is yet another American attempt to sanitize and rewrite things, definitely see Nagisa Oshima's TABOO/GOHATTO for a film that powerfully depicts gay sex among the samurai.

Or for a more modern version of a rather open homo-bi Japanese man, read the life story of Yukio Mishima, who even took erotic photos posing as St. Sebastian, gathered a private army of beautiful young men around him, and committed seppuku after a leading a failed right-wing rebellion against the government there.

The column I posted a link to says that pornography is illegal in Japan. Not sure how true that is.

How sad that someone would be more embarrassed by the possibility that people might think he was gay than for making a porno flick.

I wonder if this "straight" pitcher catches...

[quote]fantomas:
[quote]Is this true about Japan?  [/quote]First, there's a huge difference between reading pornographic comic books and appearing in live action pornographic videos. One of the reasons, I expect, this video "is only available on the Japanese black market" is because pornography is illegal in Japan. You can't show genitalia at all. I would say that's a higher level of taboo.

The Mishima legend is far more explored outside of Japan than inside it. The reason Mishima arose in the first place is because modern, in particular post war Japan, has completely abandoned the way of the samurai. The questionable homosexuality of the tradition may be a minor casualty of that abandonment. However, what the Japanese people decided at the end of the war was that if being warlike got one bombed with nuclear warheads, then being aggressive was a bad thing.

Mishima represented an anachronistic throwback that was rejected by the majority of Japanese society. His death was the end of the movement. Using him and his anomaly as an argument for what Japan as a nation believes or feels, is like saying that Americans don't like black people because of the Klan.

Joe>>

Yeah, it's illegal. I read something about how all (legitimate) porn there has to obscure the penis...don't have the link though.

You know... porn pusts me to sleep, literally, everytime...

Go figure. eek!


Besides, did you see the guy, he's no....no...
dang, I don't know who to compare him too as I do not know any porn stars... I always fall asleep.



Poor kid, I hope it just blows over for him.

Is Piazza still not gay? wink

Baseball player in Japanese gay porno flick...As I see it, it's much ado about nothing.Once again Kazuhito Tadano is in the news, mostly in the sports pages . He states when he was younger he participated in the movie because he needed the money and declared he was not gay. Again this time he has denied being a homosexual. I happen to be an openly gay male who has been very involved in gay politics ,sports and media for over 30 years .I believe being gay does not make you a better in sports,politic or even being a hairdresser. It is my opinion that someone should be judged on their playing record and not their religious or sexual preference before rooting (or voting) for someone!... "Kaz" says he is not gay, and that is his right, just as it was President Clinton's right to say 'HE DID NOT IN-HALE'. Sometimes it is better to look at someone then trying to look through that person. I hope for his sake, his fans and teammates, that he will be judged on his baseball ability and not his past decisions-right or wrong or politically correct! I played on a softball team from San Francisco that was kicked out of the 1978 Gay World Series ( see www.thediamondangle.com /archive story/ THE ADVENTURES OF OIL CAN HARRY'S ) for having too many straights on the roster. In that story there is a photo of 2 young softball players, one is gay and the other is not, can you tell the difference? Does it really take "one" to know one...and who cares anyway!

Yikes!!!! Str8 jocks on gay softball team!!!! Eeveryone knows them str8 boys throw like a girl...

Just teasing.. but it was fun :cool:

I guess I'm missing your analogy, but what does Mishima in the context of Japan have to do with blacks and the Klan? This strikes me as a really bizarre analogy...did Mishima kill thousands of people and terrorize society? Not at all.

Also don't forget that Japan was \"forcibly\" pacified by the United States, and its Constitution was rewritten, with strong American oversight. The anti-militarization push wasn't only an internal development, it got a forceful push from the U.S.

Perhaps someone can explain to me how, if Section 175 of the Japanese criminal code explicitly criminalizes the distribution of \"obscene\" pictures or texts (including novels, manga, etc.), how some (many?) of these actually do end up for sale on the streets of Tokyo? As I said, there are a number of cases in Japanese literature--Kono Taeko, Mutsuo Takahashi, etc.--of writers who depict explicit, often violent sexual acts in their work, and the non-shojo or other kinds of non-sexual manga often push the limit, especially in their depictions of underage female sexuality. But you're right, this isn't the same as DVDs and VHS videotapes.

The only high-profile case I recall is the banning of Nagisa Oshima's film In the Realm of the Senses, which is an art film based on a real story, is extremely graphic to the point of pornography (it shows repeated scenes of male pornography and intercourse, SM, etc.), and could only be shown in Europe at first. Oshima actually was tried based on the stills and script under Japanese law, but got off in 1982, though I can't remember what the reason for his acquittal was.

From a Financial Times, 2 Feb 1996 Web posting on Japan, pornography and the internet:



[ January 30, 2004, 09:13 PM: Message edited by: fantomas ]

I think the simplest answer is in the way we view our Male Heros. If Tadano looked anything as beautiful as Mike Piazza does to OUR culture, this discussion board would have more responses than it could handle!

At a certain level, I think "we" all refer to our brain-memories of sexy hunks we had, or wish we had, from Junior High, High School or College. That was when our cock's nerve-center never saw rest while we were jackin' & fantasizing!!!

I'm no shrink, but the skinny, Japanese guy will always lose the "looks" category to a hot, built Italiao-American - witness the success of our Italio-American (and clones) friend's in the media!:

The advertising culture has been given to "objectification" of the Mediterrean Male........olive skin, naturally hairless chests, dark hair/bright eyes, smooth chests, tanned skin & bulges below the belt..............I shouldn't even go there in terms of examples!

Just look back at the past 20 years of GQ, Vanity Fair, Gucci & Armani & YSL ads. Not to mention Versace, A&F, Bel Ami and Pro-Wrestling!

In the Western Hemishere, we are not often bombarded by beautiful images of Asian (specifically, Eastern Asian) men..........

Let's face it - we're as geo-centric as the Japanese accuse us of (sorry for dangling the participle - I dangle other thangs on request!) -

Have not seen the Tadano video yet, just previews, but I expect it will be far milder than we would like to see!

Let's get our priorties in order!

Anyways, I checked out that video site and a bunch of others from Japan, and except for obscuring the penises, many of these films are pretty graphic. They show fisting, dildos, barebacking, gangbangs, lots of bondage, you name it. They just blur out the genitals. The particular video starring Tadano probably is tamer than a video put out by one of the BDSM or pig-sex video companies, but wilder (since it involves bondage, etc.) than some of the tamer European and American videos. You just can't see the genitals.

A lot of the guys are pretty hot--especially the beefy ones.

I'd just like to see a picture of this guy. Can't find any links. That's all, just curious.

LC

I have the video. Tadano is actually very hot. He could have two careers.

http://www.jguyusguy.org/tadano_images/table3.jpg

[ February 18, 2004, 04:36 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Unbelievable. A major league baseball player getting f----d. This is groundbreaking. Thanks for the clips.