News - Why are there no openly gay footballers?
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has vowed not to kiss his team-mates after scoring a goal for fear of being thought of as gay. As football authorities make tackling homophobia a priority, why are there no openly homosexual players?Figures from politics and showbiz come out and few people bat an eyelid, but the most popular sports remain a bastion for casual sex dating movie
.The decision of any well-known players in football, rugby or cricket to come out is no-one else’s to make, but the football authorities have acknowledged the working environment could be a barrier to them being honest.
The Football Association held its first “homophobia summit” this week to launch a strategy aimed at dealing with anti-gay abuse regularly heard on the terraces and occasionally on the pitch. A Hull City supporter was recently convicted and fined after taunting Brighton fans.
I’ve had players over the years who were single and read books and so others said they must be gay
Alan Smith
Former football managerBut Cisse’s comments, which were probably meant as light-hearted fun, suggest there is some way to go before gay players feel sufficiently comfortable to come out.
Among 4,000 professional footballers, it would be impossible for some not to be gay, says Alan Smith, who managed Crystal Palace and Wycombe Wanderers. He thinks there are probably fewer than in the rest of society because the potential abuse would put young gay men off pursuing football as a career.
“Football is a profession that doesn’t allow anyone to be different,” he says. “I’ve had players over the years who were single and read books and so others said they must be gay.
“I suspect it may have bothered them but they got on with it because that’s what they wanted to do.
“I think being openly gay would be something very difficult to live with in football.”
A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
Ask a questionPlayers are crude about it, he says, with comments like “shirt-lifter” commonly made as a way to fit into a macho culture.
“You can get drunk and beat up your wife and that’s quite acceptable, but if someone were to say ‘I’m gay’, it’s considered awful. It’s ridiculous.”
Former Ireland international Tony Cascarino says coming out could end a player’s career and his life would be a misery, and the experience of the UK’s only openly gay player to date backs up that claim.
Justin Fashanu, who played for Norwich, Nottingham Forest and Hearts, endured abuse after coming out in 1990. After his suicide eight years later, the coroner said the prejudices he experienced, plus the sexual assault charge he was facing at the time of his death, probably overwhelmed him.
Cover-up
Maybe it’s no surprise to hear that gay players apparently go to great lengths to try to hide their sexuality. PR guru Max Clifford has claimed he was approached twice by major clubs to help make players present a “straight” image.
Fashanu was the first black 1m footballerBut players lower down the leagues face greater abuse, says Richard Columbell of the Gay Football Supporters Network, because the corporate atmosphere of the Premiership makes it more politically-correct.
What the FA is doing is a start, he says, but the clubs must follow their lead.
“I think football managers need to say it doesn’t matter and clubs need to say it will be tackled in the same way as racist or sexist language.
“You can’t change what people think but you can change what they are allowed to do.”
If you ask the traditional footballer supporter or anyone involved they will say footballers are not gay
Martin Perry
Chief executive
Brighton and Hove AlbionManagers decline debateDespite the FA’s stated aims, the issue appears taboo among managers. When BBC Radio Five Live wrote to the 20 Premier League managers with three questions about homophobia, all 20 refused to answer.
It seems the UK may be waiting a few more years before players emerge from the “closet”, but there is a precedent to be found in Australia.
Ian Roberts, who played one of the world’s toughest sports, rugby league, came out in 1994, six years before he retired. The reaction, he says, was generally positive.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Food for footy thought...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Lions touch down in Townsville
4:23 PM Wed 6 February, 2008 | Back
By Jennifer Witham
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
News
THE Brisbane Lions have touched down in Townsville to conduct the first-ever Telstra AFL Community Camp in the steamy northern Queensland town.
The club was officially welcomed by the deputy mayor of Townsville Cr Jenny Hill, who was presented with a framed Lions jumper from the 'Three-peat' era by coach Leigh Matthews.
"It's magic to have them here. It's the first time ever we've been able to get an AFL club here, and it's all 46 senior players," Cr Hill said.
"They're going out into the community to encourage kids to play sport, which I think it's a fantastic idea.
"Hopefully next year we'll be able to convince the AFL to let us have a pre-season game in Townsville."
Matthews, who stepped off the team bus into Townsville's unescapable humidity, said the weather didn't come as a surprise.
He also encouraged the public to attend the Lions' training session at Tony Ireland Riverway Stadium on Thursday night, which is set to be a more intense session than originally planned owing to the cancellation of Tuesday's intra-club hit-out.
"We all represent the sport ultimately, so it's great to be able to spread that message, and bring the Queensland AFL team to Townsville," he said.
"We're going to have a much more worthwhile viewing training session on Thursday night.
"We would have otherwise only been doing some pretty basic work. That gives the opportunity hopefully to see how the top AFL players move and kick and handle the footy.
"We'd encourage everyone to come out late in the afternoon to see that."
Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown said the purpose of the week would be to try and influence a rugby league-orientated town towards Australian Football.
"I haven't been to Townsville before so I'm looking forward to getting around and catching up with everyone," he said.
"You're trying to spread the message, and it's obviously a challenge trying to spread the message in Queensland, but we're up here and our main objective is to try and educate people about AFL, especially the younger community.
"It's also good to get away from training. We're using this as a lighter week, the boys have had a pretty difficult pre-season, which started back in October.
"It's a good chance for us to have a rest week."
AFLQ regional manager Richie Lyons said Australian Football has a following of over 1500 Auskick kids and around 700 actually playing. He also said he hopes the Lions' visit helps to further develop the game at grass roots level.
"It's fantastic to have them here. It's a big coup for AFL Townsville that we have a professional team here," he said.
"I think this is the start for us, as long as we do everything right, hopefully we can now aim for some pre-season games for the future.
"Junior kids in Townsville don't get to see professional players up close; they have to travel to Brisbane or Melbourne to see that, so we'll try and really make an impact at grass roots level."
Monday, January 14, 2008
Holiday's over
Was surprised to meet some at the local cafe who didn't know their Aussie rules. Got just the thing for them:
Clear? Now get out and play!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Lions Christmas List
News
With Santa Claus set to make his annual sleigh-ride across the globe next week, it seemed an appropriate time to find out what some of the Lions players hope to find under their trees this Christmas.
Jonathan Brown is hoping for jocks and socks from his family as well as a DVD box set of the latest Prison Break series which he hasn’t had the time to watch on television. He would also like tickets to the USA’s 2008 Super Bowl in Arizona next March.
Pat Garner needs a new pair of board shorts to get him through the hot summer months.
Daniel Merrett is keeping his fingers crossed for a new frying pan and an overseas holiday.
Among other things, Jamie Charman wants a Borat-style mankini in Lions colours, a selection of JC 19 products from Number 19 Men’s Day Spa to keep him looking smooth over the Christmas festivities and a big kiss from Jennifer Hawkins.
Jed Adcock is hoping for a British Bulldog puppy to keep his staffy named ‘Misled’ company at home.
Troy Selwood wants some guitar lessons for Christmas so that he can learn to become as smooth as Joel Macdonald.
Western Australian ruckman Matthew Leuenberger is hoping to find a return flight from Brisbane to Perth underneath his tree on Christmas morning.
Co-captain Luke Power quite simply hopes for health and happiness over the Christmas break.
Justin Sherman’s Christmas wish list includes a new esky, an iPod Nano and tickets to see Matchbox Twenty in concert. He is also hoping that Santa brings him some homewares and appliances for his new house in Brisbane.
The Board, management, staff and players of the Brisbane Lions Football Club would like to thank all members and supporters for their continued support in 2007 and hope all their wishes come true this Christmas.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
German footballer : OK if teamates gay
Saturday, December 15, 2007
German Footballer On Cover Of Gay Magazine.
It's a first: A high profile football player on the cover of a German gay magazine. Philipp Lahm, currently playing for premier federal league team Bayern Muenchen and in the national team, is on the cover and the coverstory of Front Magazin. Don't get your hopes up high - he hasn't left his girlfriend and is doing his coming out interview, but he DOES offer his two cents on one of Germany's last taboos: Gays in football. Says Lahm: "I don't think it's necessarily a good idea to come out for a player. The point is: He'd be the first in the federal league. He'd expose himself, the media frenze would be enormous and how would it go on?" He continues to say that fans are not exactly politically correct when it comes to their favorite sport. But he wouldn't have a problem if someone was gay on his team. "If someone on the team was gay, he would still be a teammate and I wouldn't change anything about how I would be around them." Lahm likes living in an open and tolerant society.
Don't expect a high profile coming out any time soon in German football.
Here comes AFL Britain
BARFL to re-structure, AFL Britain likely
| Saturday, December 15 2007 @ 09:20 AM EST Contributed by: Aaron |
After meetings held recently in London, the British Australian Rules Football League looks set to re-structure and re-badge. Current plans would see a shift towards a national umbrella organisation, probably to be called AFL Britain. To provide a more defined structure, the London leagues will play under an organising body called AFL London, directly responsible for the Premiership, Conference and Social Leagues.
It should also consolidate recent improvements to their working relationship with Aussie Rules UK, which has seen collaboration between the GB Bulldogs and England Dragonslayers as well as Aussie Rules UK providing opportunities for London clubs to play their juniors in a new under 16s league.
New BARFL President Sam Percy, returning to the role after being BARFL pres from 2002-04, confirmed "AFL London was agreed as the name for the body organising the three divisions here. It is most likely the new name for BARFL will be AFL Britain, though we hope to have discussion with the AFL about that in the near future. As a governing body we are not going to run leagues directly. Leagues in Britain will affiliate with us, somewhat loosely in that they are free to run themselves. We'll provide guidance, geographical protection where possible and admin help with items such as insurance and a national-level website".
The plan is much in-line with what Percy had reported in October and what Glen Ocsko suggested prior to that in his UK Footy plan, and also resembles the current United States AFL model.
This new arrangement will be similar to the current situation where a league such as the Scottish Australian Rules Football League (SARFL) is affiliated but not directly run by the BARFL. The major change will be removing the need for the AFL Britain to directly run the London leagues, thus allowing a bigger picture national approach.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
FUCK OFF STALKER CHICK!
UPDATE: my better half says calm down and apologize to my readers. Virtual viragos are not worth stroke. He's right, as usual.
Sorry.
Lucky Lion Sherman
Crikey! (Kyle just rolled his eyes and called me a cliche)
Lion death fears
16 December 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Damien Stannard
HE could have lost a leg or even his life - no wonder Justin Sherman considers himself lucky.
Lucky: Justin Sherman.
This year, Sherman's battle with the bacterial infection cellulitis robbed him of five AFL matches. The infection was a setback for his career - but he also could have paid for it with his life.
"Left untreated, it can be life-threatening," the Brisbane Lions midfielder said.
Sherman first noticed the infection days after playing a match for the reserves at Maroochydore.
Bacteria had entered his body through a blister on his foot and, as the burning rash advanced up his right leg, he knew something was wrong.
Only after being treated in hospital by an infectious diseases specialist did Sherman realise how fortunate he was.
"It got as high as my knee and I spent a week in hospital," the 20-year-old said.
"They say if it had got as high as my groin I could have lost a leg."
The Tasmanian said he was not offering illness as an excuse for what was a disappointing third season in the AFL. He also ignored the pain of a fractured toe.
Both setbacks will be used as lessons to ensure next season will be his best yet.
"The illness shocked me and I had to come to grips with it pretty quickly," Sherman said.
After finishing second to Simon Black in the 2006 club best-and-fairest award, he was expected to be a high achiever last season.
Instead, he played only 14 games and was dropped twice because of poor form.
Many observers thought representing Australia in the 2006 International Rules series sapped him of energy.
"Looking back, it probably did," Sherman said.
"I missed three weeks of the pre-season - that's nine running sessions - and that was vital."The Australian team was coached by Kevin Sheedy and it was also Michael Voss' final outing.
"You don't get to represent Australia every day," he said.
"I played with Vossy in his last game, which was pretty special."
Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown said much was expected of Sherman next season.
"We all hope 'Shermo' can improve on last year," Brown said. "He had a great first two years of his career and last year was a bit of a downer. That can happen when you're young.
"Hopefully he bounces back and gets a good pre-season under his belt."
Every Lions player has been handed a personalised training program to prepare them for next season.
Some are bulking up and others are chasing speed records.
Sherman craves endurance so he can add another element to the midfield or provide impact as a scrounging forward.
Play hard, play safe, play clean...but don't play macho if it's bad. Go to hospital.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Why does Batman have Battle Armour?
Batman is not a slimmed down Michelin Man depending on a super suit to get him through the night. It's a story about a man..not a rich man's toys.
Must lower expectations for the movie...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
from FootyHeads
AFL COMMUNITY CAMP LOCATIONS
BY MARK OPOLION
THE Australian Football League has today announced the locations for the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps to be conducted over the summer months between December and February.
The 16 AFL clubs will conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals, conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators.
For the first time AFL clubs will be travelling to South Africa.
West Coast, Carlton, Fremantle and Collingwood are all scheduled to conduct week-long camps in South Africa over a three month period.
Carlton and Fremantle are scheduled to play an exhibition match at SuperSport Park in Pretoria on February 2.
In other changes of note, Sydney conducted a camp in Coffs Harbour last week, Adelaide will visit the Barossa Valley in May and both WA clubs will conduct local camps while also travelling to South Africa.
“The Telstra AFL Community Camps give communities the opportunity to see AFL coaches and players at the highest level preparing for the season ahead,” AFL General Manager -National and International Development David Matthews said.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to extend the Community Camp program to South Africa where the game is making a difference on and off the field.
“Seeing elite players up close will certainly inspire the young South African players.”
2008 Telstra AFL Community Camp locations
Adelaide: Barossa Valley (May 5-6)
Brisbane Lions: Townsville (Feb 6-9)
Carlton: South Africa (Jan 21 - Feb 3)
Collingwood: South Africa (Jan 20 - Feb 6)
Essendon: East Gippsland (Feb 4-6)
Fremantle: South Africa (27 Jan - 4 Feb)
Albany (Jan 30-31)
Geelong: Gold Coast (Feb 6-9)
Hawthorn: Tasmania (Feb 4-8)
Kangaroos: Northern Rivers/Gold Coast (Feb 4-7)
Melbourne: Canberra (Feb 4-8)
Port Adelaide: Whyalla (Feb 5-7)
Richmond: Echuca (Feb 5-7)
St Kilda: Ballarat (Feb 4-6)
Sydney: Greater Sydney (Dec/Feb*)
West Coast Eagles: South Africa (Dec 8-15)
Narrogin (Feb 5-6)
Western Bulldogs: Darwin (Feb 12-15**)
* Sydney will conduct day sessions throughout Sydney during December and February.
** The Western Bulldogs’ camp will conclude on Friday, February 15, with their opening NAB Cup match at TIO Stadium in Darwin.
Friday, October 12, 2007
from FootyHeads
THREE-WAY DEAL DONE
BY NINO BUCCI
TRAVIS JOHNSTONE has became a Lion, Cameron Wood is now a Magpie and the No. 14 draft selection belongs to the Demons after the most complicated deal of this year’s trade week was finalised today.
Collingwood have traded their No. 14 selection in the national draft to Brisbane in exchange for ruckmen Cameron Wood, before the Lions then on-traded that pick to Melbourne for former No. 1 draft pick Travis Johnstone.
Despite earlier speculation that Magpie Rhyce Shaw would also figure in the trade, the defender did not figure in the completed deal.
It was the fourth deal to have been completed over the four days of trade week, with Adelaide’s Martin Mattner and John Meesen traded to Sydney and Melbourne respectively and Chris Judd traded to Carlton along with the No. 46 draft pick in exchange for Josh Kennedy and draft selections three and 20.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
It doesn't get better than this for a Queer fan
It get's better but I don't want to scare of the big insecure strapping blokes. Follow the link for more.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
from FootyHeads
LIONS BOARD LEGEND STEPS DOWN
BY BRAD KLIBANSKY
LONG- TIME director Graeme Downie has officially retired from the Brisbane Lions after serving more than 15 years on the Club’s Board.
Downie joined the inaugural Brisbane Bears Board on 26 January 1992 as the Club had previously existed under private ownership with the Pelerman’s Liquor Group.
He was Club Chairman from February 2000 until February 2006 after being appointed Deputy Chairman in 1999. During his tenure, Mr Downie chaired the Audit & Finance and Football Committees at various times.
Lions Chairman Tony Kelly thanked Graeme for his long-time service and integral shaping of the Brisbane Lions Football Club.
“The facts really speak for themselves here. When Graeme first joined the Board, the Brisbane Bears had 5,400 members, a small turnover of $4.5 million and were the struggling ‘cellar dwellers’ down at the Gold Coast,” Mr Kelly said.
“With Graeme’s strong direction and commercial savvy leading the Board, the Club went from strength to strength winning three straight premierships and creating a modern AFL dynasty.
“Graeme had a massive influence on the Club in its formative years and its current success will be his legacy. You’ve got to remember the Club was really on the ropes at one stage and battling for survival in the early nineties."
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Fuck you, Gerlado
9/11 truth protesters with WeAreChange & Alex Jones--gathered in NYC for a week of street actions and 9/11 responders benefit events--waved signs, chanting "9/11 Was an Inside Job" behind a live FOX News broadcast featuring a flustered and angry Geraldo Rivera. At one point Rivera says, as he introduces a segment on Larry Craig, "I think these demonstrators are all into restroom gay sex--ha ha ha."
Fuck you, Geraldo and fuck you again. Homophobia is alive and well, we knew that? But know what you did? You made it personal with every "closet" gay Truther. That's a crowded cupboard.
No more "closets". 9/11 IS an inside job. And everyone knows it. Have the balls to admit it. 9/11, 7/7, Bali... this is the same shit that happened in Northern Ireland. MI6 fucking it up to make the Irish look bad so British business could make money. Ask why there have been no other attacks on America? If the Yankees can't fund their war how can they be finding "Homeland Security" to stop "terrorists"?
They're not! The English and Americans are in it together! All to make money! God damn it its so obvious!
And for the love of fucking saints don't go the other way and listen to the shills talking about noplanes, and mininukes and space beam crap! Wake up! That's all CIA crap!
Visit these sites for 911 information:
911 Truth.org
911Blogger.com
911Visibility
Visibility 911
OK. Rant over.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
from FootyHeads
AFL CLUB LIST ALTERATIONS
BY BRAD KLIBANSKY
THE following alterations have been made to club lists, via the long-term injury list rules.
Brisbane Lions - Upgraded Anthony Corrie from the rookie list as the replacement for James Hawksley, who was already on the long-term injury list.
West Coast - Upgraded Jamie McNamara from the rookie list as the replacement for Ashley Sampi, who was already on the long-term injury list.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
from FootyHeads
EQUATION EASY FOR LIONS
BY BRAD KLIBANSKY
BRISBANE gun forward Jonathan Brown says if the Lions are to make the finals they must win their next two games and hope West Coast also win their next two matches.
Speaking on SEN, Brown said the equation was easy for the Lions.
“It is a pretty easy equation for us,” Brown said.
“If we win our next two and West coast when their next two, we will be playing finals.
“We have a tough draw. We go to Adelaide over there and Geelong at home. Hopefully they (Geelong) decide to rest half their side when they come over here.”
Footyheads, the Lions play Adelaide (away) and Geelong (home), West Coast play St Klida (away) and Essendon (home). Will the Lions make the finals?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
from FootyHeads
LIONS KEEN TO KEEP LETHAL
BY NINO BUCCI
LEIGH Matthews will be approached by the Brisbane Lions before Christmas to ensure the four-time premiership coach remains at the club beyond 2008, The Age reported today.
Matthews would be offered a contract extension to prevent approaches from other clubs next season, club chairman Tony Kelly said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if someone came out and made the Godfather offer. In fact, I’d almost be offended if he wasn’t and I’ve got total faith he would broach it with me if he took it seriously. I suspect he’s been spoken to already,” Kelly said.
The Lions have exceeded pre-season expectations this year, currently sitting eighth on the AFL ladder with nine wins and a draw from 19 matches, and remain a chance to play finals.
Matthews acknowledged his contract would be discussed at the end of the season, seemingly quashing speculation that
Michael Voss would step in to coach the Lions post-2008.
“The club has said they would like to talk at the end of the season and I’m happy with that,” Matthews said.
FootyHeads, with Brisbane moving to re-sign Leigh Matthews, when will Michael Voss get the chance to realise his coaching aspirations?
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
from FootyHeads
TACKLING THE KEY TO LIONS SUCCESS
BY STEPHEN BAKER
Brisbane Lions Coach Leigh Matthews attributes a concerted focus on tackling as a significant factor in his team’s current run of wins.
“Good teams tackle very well”, said Matthews last night after his team beat North Melbourne by 37 points in a lackluster game at the Gabba in Brisbane.
“That’s one of the building blocks of any good team performance”.
“The last 5 weeks, our tackling pressure has been exceptional”.
The Lions lead the competition in tackles per game and are second overall in total tackles with 1285.
Brisbane has won their last 5 games, launching them into finals contention after heading to the mid-season break with 4 wins and seven losses, as well as a draw against Richmond.
FootyHeads, are the Lions genuine September contenders?
What do they expect us to say? Hell, yes!
