((HT: KARE-TV))
The attorney for former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe says that he, his client, and the team have reached a settlement over alleged discrimination while Kluwe was on the active roster. Kluwe accused the Vikings, initially, of cutting him because of his views and his vocal demeanor over them.
Kluwe said he was suing the team over their lack of handling the alleged discriminatory behavior by special teams coach Mike Priefer. Priefer allegedly used anti-gay slurs in his coaching demeanor. The Vikings suspended Priefer for three games and made a donation to local gay advocacy groups as an initial response to Kluwe and attorney Clayton Halunen's public claims.
Halunen says that the settlement will be discussed early next week.
Lawmakers in the state of Minnesota wanted a harsher penalty for Priefer's alleged actions and it will be interesting to see if anything happens above and beyond what is currently on the table.
Showing posts with label gay slur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gay slur. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Wojcik Fired From College of Charleston After Abuses Investigation
((HT: WCIV-TV Charleston))
College of Charleston head coach Doug Wojcik was fired from his position after two separate investigations centered around alleged abuses of basketball players during practices and games.
The college had suspended Wojcik for the entire month of August and required him to undergo counseling and behavior monitoring.
"I am writing today to let you know I have made the decision to terminate Head Men's Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik's employment at the College of Charleston for just cause, pursuant to the terms of his contract, effective immediately," school president Glenn F. McConnell said in a statement.
Wojcik, in a statement through his attorney, thought the school didn't go about their investigation in a proper manner:
"The College became so desperate to invent a reason to fire Coach Wojcik that it had some of the young men on the basketball team sign sworn affidavits, which we believe contain materially false statements. The College even got one of the incoming freshmen, who has never even played for Coach Wojcik, to swear under oath that he was physically abused by Coach Wojcik. The College's so-called second investigation was so focused on finding a way to avoid its contractual obligations, that the College completed the investigation and began termination proceedings against Coach Wojcik without even looking at the video of the incidents of alleged physical abuse. We were forced to release the video to the public to show that there was no physical abuse. There are many other examples of the College's attempt to create a reason to avoid its contractual obligations. They will come out at the appropriate time."
Here's Scott Eisberg with defense from Wojcik and his attorneys before today's dismissal
WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather
Sounds like Wojcik is far from done in a legal sense...
AD Joe Hull will be responsible for the program for the foreseeable future.
College of Charleston head coach Doug Wojcik was fired from his position after two separate investigations centered around alleged abuses of basketball players during practices and games.
The college had suspended Wojcik for the entire month of August and required him to undergo counseling and behavior monitoring.
"I am writing today to let you know I have made the decision to terminate Head Men's Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik's employment at the College of Charleston for just cause, pursuant to the terms of his contract, effective immediately," school president Glenn F. McConnell said in a statement.
Wojcik, in a statement through his attorney, thought the school didn't go about their investigation in a proper manner:
"The College became so desperate to invent a reason to fire Coach Wojcik that it had some of the young men on the basketball team sign sworn affidavits, which we believe contain materially false statements. The College even got one of the incoming freshmen, who has never even played for Coach Wojcik, to swear under oath that he was physically abused by Coach Wojcik. The College's so-called second investigation was so focused on finding a way to avoid its contractual obligations, that the College completed the investigation and began termination proceedings against Coach Wojcik without even looking at the video of the incidents of alleged physical abuse. We were forced to release the video to the public to show that there was no physical abuse. There are many other examples of the College's attempt to create a reason to avoid its contractual obligations. They will come out at the appropriate time."
Here's Scott Eisberg with defense from Wojcik and his attorneys before today's dismissal
WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather
Sounds like Wojcik is far from done in a legal sense...
AD Joe Hull will be responsible for the program for the foreseeable future.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Of Course... FIFA Dropped The Mexico Gay Slur Case
FIFA's disciplinary panel has decided that they won't take any action against the Mexico football federation after the "investigation" of fans using a chant against the rival team's goalkeeper in previous matches this tournament in Brazil.
The chant, which (once again) the HQ will not print, is used in Mexican leagues as a tradition- calling the keeper (loosely translated) a male whore when he executes a goal kick...
FIFA says the chant "is not considered insulting in this specific context"- whatever in the blue hell that actually means.
The president of the Mexican federation, Hector Gonzalez, was interviewed by ESPN FC's John Sutcliffe who (along with national coach Miguel Herrera) didn't think the chant was all that bad in the first place when the issue first came up...
((HT: ESPN))
The HQ would like to congratulate FIFA in reinforcing who they actually are to the rest of us..
The chant, which (once again) the HQ will not print, is used in Mexican leagues as a tradition- calling the keeper (loosely translated) a male whore when he executes a goal kick...
FIFA says the chant "is not considered insulting in this specific context"- whatever in the blue hell that actually means.
The president of the Mexican federation, Hector Gonzalez, was interviewed by ESPN FC's John Sutcliffe who (along with national coach Miguel Herrera) didn't think the chant was all that bad in the first place when the issue first came up...
((HT: ESPN))
The HQ would like to congratulate FIFA in reinforcing who they actually are to the rest of us..
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Eastern Michigan's English Speaks, Eagles Win In OT
((HT: EMU Athletics))
Former Eastern Michigan head coach Ron English came clean in an interview with the AP about his unceremonious dismissal earlier this week with three games left in the 2013 season...
"As a man who has coached 21 years, obviously, on this occasion and particular meeting, I lost my poise, got upset and used language that was inappropriate, particularly as it pertains to homosexual slurs. I regret that," English said. "I apologize to the university for putting it in this position and tarnishing its reputation. I look forward to continuing a career that has been marked by molding men of integrity, passion, and intensity for 21 years."
The Detroit News has a copy of the purported audio rant that got English fired:
The school released a statement as to why English was let go:
"I received a tape of a situation in which Coach English had addressed the team and used wholly inappropriate language. We hold our coaches and staff to high standards of professionalism and conduct and there is no place, particularly in a student environment, where this language is appropriate. The statements made by Coach English are absolutely unacceptable. My decision to make a change in leadership of our football program was the culmination of a lot of factors including the comprehensive review of our program, the competitive performance and this tape. Our primary interest is in the well being and success of our student-athletes and this will continue to be our priority in every decision we make and every action we take. My focus moving forward is on the quality of our student-athletes' experience as well as the search process for the next leader of our football program."
The first part of that was naming Stan Parrish as interim coach and the team responded- for the first time out, anyway...
Eastern played Western and 35-32...
Here's the highlights of the win on overtime...
Former Eastern Michigan head coach Ron English came clean in an interview with the AP about his unceremonious dismissal earlier this week with three games left in the 2013 season...
"As a man who has coached 21 years, obviously, on this occasion and particular meeting, I lost my poise, got upset and used language that was inappropriate, particularly as it pertains to homosexual slurs. I regret that," English said. "I apologize to the university for putting it in this position and tarnishing its reputation. I look forward to continuing a career that has been marked by molding men of integrity, passion, and intensity for 21 years."
The Detroit News has a copy of the purported audio rant that got English fired:
The school released a statement as to why English was let go:
"I received a tape of a situation in which Coach English had addressed the team and used wholly inappropriate language. We hold our coaches and staff to high standards of professionalism and conduct and there is no place, particularly in a student environment, where this language is appropriate. The statements made by Coach English are absolutely unacceptable. My decision to make a change in leadership of our football program was the culmination of a lot of factors including the comprehensive review of our program, the competitive performance and this tape. Our primary interest is in the well being and success of our student-athletes and this will continue to be our priority in every decision we make and every action we take. My focus moving forward is on the quality of our student-athletes' experience as well as the search process for the next leader of our football program."
The first part of that was naming Stan Parrish as interim coach and the team responded- for the first time out, anyway...
Eastern played Western and 35-32...
Here's the highlights of the win on overtime...
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Ole Miss: No Evidence Players Used Gay Slurs At On-Campus Play...
((HT: ESPN/Aschoff, Daily Mississippian))
And the HQ's reaction is: "Of course, they didn't..."
To recap...
There's a course at Ole Miss, much like Theatre 3000 that we took during our undergrad years, where part of your assignment is to go watch plays- and either write synopses (or "summaries..." for some of you) or answer test questions on what you see... It was an easy "A" course if you paid attention...
Ole Miss football players went to see a play called "The Laramie Project"- based on the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.
Here's the movie based on the play...
The Daily Mississippian, the university's student newspaper, reported that as many 20 Ole Miss football players were among an audience Tuesday. Play director and faculty member Rory Ledbetter told the newspaper that members of the audience were using homosexual slurs while the performance was going on and insulting the body types and sexual orientation of cast members. The behavior of those who disrupted the play made it difficult to even complete the performance.
The full report from the Daily is disturbing, but in today's age, not totally surprising... as, when the players went backstage afterwards, the apology caused two cast members to cry.
Adam Ganucheau interviewed one of the cast members:
“I am the only gay person on the cast,” junior theater major Garrison Gibbons said. “I played a gay character in the show, and to be ridiculed like that was something that really made me realize that some people at Ole Miss and in Mississippi still can’t accept me for who I am.”
On Thursday, the University apologized:
...we will meet today with the freshman student-athletes (from various sports) who attended the play and have a dialogue about what happened, about our university-wide commitment to inclusivity and civility, and about the important role they play in representing the university. It is clear that some students badly misrepresented the culture of this university. From there, we will work with Student Affairs and the Bias Incident Response Team to determine the facts and appropriate next steps.
The student newspaper also reported that Ledbetter said a member of the athletic department sent him an email apologizing for the incident.
Ole Miss theater department chairwoman Rene Pulliam told the paper that the football players were asked to apologize by the athletic department as well- yet, apparently, they didn't know what they were apologizing for- according to reports...
From the University:
The task of identifying specific individuals who were purported to have disrupted the performance is difficult because of the dark theatre, and initial reports vary in regard to the frequency, volume and source of the comments or disruption. Although initial reports indicate that student-athletes led the action, it is important to note that this has not been verified and they were not the only students present. Reports indicate that comments were made by student athletes and students but no report has singled out a specific student or mentioned any names.
So much for Creed Week, eh boys...???
And the HQ's reaction is: "Of course, they didn't..."
To recap...
There's a course at Ole Miss, much like Theatre 3000 that we took during our undergrad years, where part of your assignment is to go watch plays- and either write synopses (or "summaries..." for some of you) or answer test questions on what you see... It was an easy "A" course if you paid attention...
Ole Miss football players went to see a play called "The Laramie Project"- based on the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.
Here's the movie based on the play...
The Daily Mississippian, the university's student newspaper, reported that as many 20 Ole Miss football players were among an audience Tuesday. Play director and faculty member Rory Ledbetter told the newspaper that members of the audience were using homosexual slurs while the performance was going on and insulting the body types and sexual orientation of cast members. The behavior of those who disrupted the play made it difficult to even complete the performance.
The full report from the Daily is disturbing, but in today's age, not totally surprising... as, when the players went backstage afterwards, the apology caused two cast members to cry.
Adam Ganucheau interviewed one of the cast members:
“I am the only gay person on the cast,” junior theater major Garrison Gibbons said. “I played a gay character in the show, and to be ridiculed like that was something that really made me realize that some people at Ole Miss and in Mississippi still can’t accept me for who I am.”
On Thursday, the University apologized:
...we will meet today with the freshman student-athletes (from various sports) who attended the play and have a dialogue about what happened, about our university-wide commitment to inclusivity and civility, and about the important role they play in representing the university. It is clear that some students badly misrepresented the culture of this university. From there, we will work with Student Affairs and the Bias Incident Response Team to determine the facts and appropriate next steps.
The student newspaper also reported that Ledbetter said a member of the athletic department sent him an email apologizing for the incident.
Ole Miss theater department chairwoman Rene Pulliam told the paper that the football players were asked to apologize by the athletic department as well- yet, apparently, they didn't know what they were apologizing for- according to reports...
From the University:
The task of identifying specific individuals who were purported to have disrupted the performance is difficult because of the dark theatre, and initial reports vary in regard to the frequency, volume and source of the comments or disruption. Although initial reports indicate that student-athletes led the action, it is important to note that this has not been verified and they were not the only students present. Reports indicate that comments were made by student athletes and students but no report has singled out a specific student or mentioned any names.
So much for Creed Week, eh boys...???
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
NASCAR Fines Piquet, Junior For Instagram Slur
((HT: NASCAR their own selves))
Nelson Piquet Jr. has been fined $10,000, is required to participate in sensitivity training as directed by NASCAR, and was placed on indefinite probation for violating the sanctioning body’s Code of Conduct policy.
On September 25, Piquet violated Sections 7-5 (Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book by posting an anti-gay slur on Instagram. Piquet commented on a photo that fellow Nationwide Series driver Parker Kligerman posted of himself, and he used a three-letter slur as a one-word description of Kligerman.
You can pretty much guess what the word was...
The post was subsequently deleted...
“Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “NASCAR’s Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code.”
Piquet apologized rather quickly...
"I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone."
"This has been a cultural learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward."
Turner Scott Motorsports said in a statement it had addressed the issue with Piquet, who understood the team does not tolerate such remarks.
"TSM expects those associated with the team to uphold professional standards that we can all be proud of. Nelson has assured the team that he has learned his lesson and he knows what it means to represent TSM."
It's not the first time this season that Piquet was drawn attention to himself...
Witness the place-kicking event that he had with Brian Scott...
((HT: NASCAR))
Nelson Piquet Jr. has been fined $10,000, is required to participate in sensitivity training as directed by NASCAR, and was placed on indefinite probation for violating the sanctioning body’s Code of Conduct policy.
On September 25, Piquet violated Sections 7-5 (Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book by posting an anti-gay slur on Instagram. Piquet commented on a photo that fellow Nationwide Series driver Parker Kligerman posted of himself, and he used a three-letter slur as a one-word description of Kligerman.
You can pretty much guess what the word was...
The post was subsequently deleted...
“Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “NASCAR’s Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code.”
Piquet apologized rather quickly...
"I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone."
"This has been a cultural learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward."
Turner Scott Motorsports said in a statement it had addressed the issue with Piquet, who understood the team does not tolerate such remarks.
"TSM expects those associated with the team to uphold professional standards that we can all be proud of. Nelson has assured the team that he has learned his lesson and he knows what it means to represent TSM."
It's not the first time this season that Piquet was drawn attention to himself...
Witness the place-kicking event that he had with Brian Scott...
((HT: NASCAR))
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Roy Hibbert Docked $75K For Post Game Gay Slur
Nobody will ever really know what possessed Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert to say what he did during a post-game interview after the Pacers Game 6 win over the Miami Heat Saturday night.
But he said it.
For some reason, he responded to a question about defending Heat star LeBron James by saying "No Homo".
And though Hibbert has apologized for saying it, it's not something you can really take back. Even by reaching out to Jason Collins, wasn't going to cut it.
With that in mind, the NBA announced Sunday afternoon Hibbert would get a $75,000 fine.
Yes, NBA Commish David Stern has said he believes Hibbert is sincere in his apologies, he still had to fine him. And he's right.
Hibbert is not the first NBA player...or athlete to say things such as this and whether you like it or not, you just can't say stuff like that.
At some point, homophobic comments are going to cost athletes a game. Quite honestly, Hibbert is somewhat fortunate this one didn't cost him one. With the Heat and Pacers going to a game 7 in their hard-fought East Division finals, there's no way something like this would cost a starter for either team a game.
But eventually it will....
And before you say it, we haven't reported on this up until now. That's why we are posting the video of Saturday nights presser:
But he said it.
For some reason, he responded to a question about defending Heat star LeBron James by saying "No Homo".
And though Hibbert has apologized for saying it, it's not something you can really take back. Even by reaching out to Jason Collins, wasn't going to cut it.
With that in mind, the NBA announced Sunday afternoon Hibbert would get a $75,000 fine.
Yes, NBA Commish David Stern has said he believes Hibbert is sincere in his apologies, he still had to fine him. And he's right.
Hibbert is not the first NBA player...or athlete to say things such as this and whether you like it or not, you just can't say stuff like that.
At some point, homophobic comments are going to cost athletes a game. Quite honestly, Hibbert is somewhat fortunate this one didn't cost him one. With the Heat and Pacers going to a game 7 in their hard-fought East Division finals, there's no way something like this would cost a starter for either team a game.
But eventually it will....
And before you say it, we haven't reported on this up until now. That's why we are posting the video of Saturday nights presser:
Friday, February 1, 2013
OSG High: Coach Under Fire For Not Liking "Queers," the First Lady, Or School Lunches... (UPDATED With Suspension)
((HT: WSFA-TV Montgomery/WAFF-TV Huntsville))
Allegedly...
The head football coach for Lauderdale County (AL) High is catching all kinds of hell for the reported connversation he had about gays, school lunch programs, and the First Lady...
Head coach Bob Grisham may have left a lot of waste laid if this, in fact, his voice on the recording below...
Here's the original coverage fom Huntsville...
WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL
County School Superintendent Jennifer Gray said she received an e-mail earlier this week with an audio clip of what's believed to be Grisham...
Here's the clip...
((HT: OnKneesForJesus4))
James Robinson, a representative of GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services in Huntsville, is calling for Grisham to step down or be fired from his teaching and coaching job- should the voice on the clip be his. Robinson said he plans to reach out to the school system and wants a full investigation with the findings made public. He says the comments were racist, sexist, and homophobic. Robinson is gay and played football for four years and can't believe the comments were made in a public school setting...
February 5 UPDATE: Linda Singleton-Rickman of the Huntsville Times-Daily reports that Grisham has been suspended for ten days, cannot teach his psychology class for the remainder of the year, must have accountability sessions with the school system's personnel director, and take sensitivity training.
Allegedly...
The head football coach for Lauderdale County (AL) High is catching all kinds of hell for the reported connversation he had about gays, school lunch programs, and the First Lady...
Head coach Bob Grisham may have left a lot of waste laid if this, in fact, his voice on the recording below...
Here's the original coverage fom Huntsville...
WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL
County School Superintendent Jennifer Gray said she received an e-mail earlier this week with an audio clip of what's believed to be Grisham...
Here's the clip...
((HT: OnKneesForJesus4))
James Robinson, a representative of GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services in Huntsville, is calling for Grisham to step down or be fired from his teaching and coaching job- should the voice on the clip be his. Robinson said he plans to reach out to the school system and wants a full investigation with the findings made public. He says the comments were racist, sexist, and homophobic. Robinson is gay and played football for four years and can't believe the comments were made in a public school setting...
February 5 UPDATE: Linda Singleton-Rickman of the Huntsville Times-Daily reports that Grisham has been suspended for ten days, cannot teach his psychology class for the remainder of the year, must have accountability sessions with the school system's personnel director, and take sensitivity training.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
MLS Clark Apologizes For Gay Slur (UPDATED)
((HT: MLS/youtube))
Houston Dynamo midfielder Colin Clark has apologized for using a gay slur toward a ball boy during the team's loss in Seattle last night.
Here's the incident that Clark has apologized for in the game's 7th minute...
As you see, the whole thing really was based around Clark's response since he wasn't issued a new ball on a throw-in...
Yes, the HQ is aware how mature Clark was in this case...
He then issued a three-chapter Twitter apology...
"I'd like to offer a sincere apology to everyone who watched the game, especially the ball boy for whom I used awful language towards."
"I didn't mean to disrespect anyone and am sorry for letting my emotions get the best of me. It's not who I am and it won't happen again."
"@gay4soccer I'm very sorry for my actions tonight and I would love for you to consider me a #soccerally moving forward."
The folks at @gay4soccer have offered an outlet for discussion with Clark. It will be interesting to see if:
A) He takes it and,
B) How the MLS and the Dynamo respond with discipline...
TUESDAY UPDATE: Clark got three games suspension "for using offensive language..."
From the MLS their own selves...
(MLS) Commissioner Don Garber also mandated that Clark attend diversity and sensitivity training. This is in addition to the training that all MLS clubs attend at the beginning of each season.
“Major League Soccer will not tolerate this type of behavior from its players or staff at any time, under any circumstances,” Garber said in a statement. “Colin Clark has expressed sincere remorse for his actions and I believe that he will learn from this incident.”
Houston Dynamo midfielder Colin Clark has apologized for using a gay slur toward a ball boy during the team's loss in Seattle last night.
Here's the incident that Clark has apologized for in the game's 7th minute...
As you see, the whole thing really was based around Clark's response since he wasn't issued a new ball on a throw-in...
Yes, the HQ is aware how mature Clark was in this case...
He then issued a three-chapter Twitter apology...
"I'd like to offer a sincere apology to everyone who watched the game, especially the ball boy for whom I used awful language towards."
"I didn't mean to disrespect anyone and am sorry for letting my emotions get the best of me. It's not who I am and it won't happen again."
"@gay4soccer I'm very sorry for my actions tonight and I would love for you to consider me a #soccerally moving forward."
The folks at @gay4soccer have offered an outlet for discussion with Clark. It will be interesting to see if:
A) He takes it and,
B) How the MLS and the Dynamo respond with discipline...
TUESDAY UPDATE: Clark got three games suspension "for using offensive language..."
From the MLS their own selves...
(MLS) Commissioner Don Garber also mandated that Clark attend diversity and sensitivity training. This is in addition to the training that all MLS clubs attend at the beginning of each season.
“Major League Soccer will not tolerate this type of behavior from its players or staff at any time, under any circumstances,” Garber said in a statement. “Colin Clark has expressed sincere remorse for his actions and I believe that he will learn from this incident.”
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