Gene Smith Targets Homophobia, Welcomes Gay Athletes
Three years ago, Jim Tressel earned praise within the gay community for discussing the importance of accepting everyone, including gay and lesbian athletes.
On Wednesday, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith followed suit, giving an interview to Outsports in which he discussed the importance of creating an atmosphere of tolerance, gay athletes and administrators at Ohio State, and the "You Can Play" movement.
Outsports: What do you plan to do within the athletic department to ensure gay athletes are treated equally and homophobia doesn’t have a strong role on the teams?
Smith: I send a message loud and clear individually among our leadership that discrimination and bias of any kind against any individual because of their ethnicity or personal interests is unacceptable. You have to be strong in that messaging and affirmative in your hires. You have to walk the walk. People have to understand you’re serious about it. Our leadership team is very diverse. Our student-athletes see that and know that. So we promote an environment in which that is understand.
We’re large, we have over a thousand student-athletes. So my primary concern doesn’t really reside within the coaches, it resides within the individual teams, bringing in freshman who haven’t learned our environment of acceptance. And things can happen on a team and sometimes it’s hard to get to that. And this video is another way to send the message.
The full interview is well worth the read. Kudos to Smith for doing this.
Here's the "You Can Play" video produced by Ohio State.
Comments
Tears. Thank you for this Mr. Smith
Cheers, Pam. It's about damned time.
I am always proud to be a Buckeye, but something like this is about much more than our successes on the field. This is breathtaking. Already have a thank you note to Gene ready to be mailed tomorrow.
Great move Gene, hopefully other schools can follow suit and be accepting of everyone ... like we all should.
JT
Coach Tressel also echoed these sentiments
We've come a long way , and yet still have a long way to go.
Cool vid.
Yep. That's why the first line of this piece is:
I hate reading 11w on a phone, totally missed that line lol.
(I meant a long way to go in terms of bigotry towards homosexuals, just to clarify)
All good.
Absolutely, but people in positions like Tressel and Smith speaking out give me hope that one day being gay and an athlete will not be seen as incongruous.
Well done.
For all grief about Gene Smith, this is 100% the correct thing to do and I'm happy he's putting himself, and the department, out there for this.
I can't believe I ate the whole thing.
Have there been any other major college ADs or coaches to come out in support of it?
Why is the hockey team the only team involved in this video? I like the "You Can Play" initiative, but why no use of any other athletic programs?
Because the initiative has its greatest roots in hockey. It started at Miami University when the gay son of the Maple Leaf's GM died. He was a manager for the hockey team and the captains of the team (and coach) got together with various players in the NHL and made the You Can Play movement happen. They are trying to get the message out to other sports, but it's likely that the Hockey Team wanted to do this on their own, rather than the administration asked all athletes to do it.
I know that it began with ice hockey, and that the first league to promote it was the NHL, but that doesn't mean you exclude the rest of the athletic department..
Like I said, it's pretty likely that the Hockey team made the video ON THEIR OWN and the athletic department is now using it.
You make it seem like the video was Gene Smith's idea and he decided to focus on only using the hockey team. I agree with you that makes no sense excluding the rest of the athletic department. Thus, I logically deduce that the idea wasn't his, but was most likely done by the hockey team itself
And that would be fine, but my point remains that it doesn't make sense for the athletic department to release a video that only involves the hockey team, when they have the opportunity to involve other athletic programs. The hockey team isn't the only program promoting "You Can Play" is it?
now that was a great video to watch.
Tressel making an impact in this regard three years ago should not be understated in this conversation. Subjective hacks have, are, and will continue to keep Tressel on the hook for the nonsense that went down with a few of his players, but actions such as his stance in 2010 are what truly measures a man.
Glad to see Gene Smith and the entire OSU athletic department advocating for LGBT as well. The more accepting we are of everyone's differences, the better off we'll all be.
I fail to see why preference of anything affects how one person is thought of as an athlete. Absolutely boggles my mind.
"So he can throw the ball 50 yards into a bucket, runs a 4.5, squats 450, benches 375 but happens to be gay? Pull that young man's scholarship. No room for his kind here".
Of course, for a while non whites were thought of as inferior\undeserving and that changed. Maybe one day this will too.
I don't think for a second there aren't a lot of homosexual athletes in all of your major sports-I'd bet there are a few on OSU's roster at this very moment but that fact is going to be the most tightly guarded secret of that person's life and its disgusting that in 2013 it still has to be that way.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
With how far we've come against combating stereotypes, it breaks my heart that we still have so far to go.
Awesome! This makes me proud to be a Buckeye!
The 2012 National Champions.
I'm very happy about this move by OSU. Discrimination should have no place anywhere, anytime.
except for my palate.
/food snob
“The teams that don’t respect their coaches and don’t trust their coaches are the teams that go .500"
~Zach Boren
well played:)
This gets a big MEH from me.
I accept everyone, regardless of sexuality, race, gender, etc. ... but is this really that big of a deal? No. It's trumped to be a big deal, and pushed down everybody's throat nowadays by the media, ESPiN, etc.. This gets to my bigger point:
Gene Smith is a failure at his job. Smith still sucks at being A.D., sorry, folks. From being clueless about how to run a major power of an athletic department like OSU's, to fiscal miscues, to the "Tat-gate" ordeal, to the NCAA basketball committee, to ticket prices, I'm not a fan. Anybody would have hired Urban Meyer. It wasn't Gene Smith that brought him in...Meyer was already coming here anyways. So, I can't think of any real good accomplishments he's responsible for. This guy should have been canned years ago. Ask yourself this: if Gene Smith were not a minority...how long ago would he have been fired? Honestly.
And, I know, I know - people are going to whine & bitch, downvote me and name call....but I don't care. This is a question that should have been asked years ago.
I don't think him being a minority has any bearing whatsoever on his job security. Way off base. I don't always agree with Gene Smith, but he has done a lot for this school. Attacking his job performance is one thing, but to suggest he still has a job because he is black is flat out wrong.
Wayne Woodrow Hayes
Don't you think he should have been fired after Tat-gate. He handled that turrrrribly.
And, for the record, I know for a fact that Tressel came to him with what he read in that e-mail. Tressel took the fall for Smith, via the Board's push for this.
Like I said I don't always agree with Gene and his handling of AD issues, but it's not for me to decide if he keeps his job. Also, the post is about acceptance of athletes regardless of status, and you up and accuse the AD of keeping his job because of his ethnicity?
Wayne Woodrow Hayes
"and you up and accuse the AD of keeping his job because of his ethnicity"
The audacity!!!! The party has not approved that topic for discussion, Mein herr.
Ohio State was facing a bowl ban. No. Matter. What. With that idea in your mind, its safe to assume that a worse handling of the situation would have resulted in a worse penalty. OSU got a slap on the wrist. A one year bowl ban and a hand full of scholly losses doesn't do a thing to derail a monster like Ohio State. I'm sorry but I fail to see what he did that was so bad.
As for "knowing for a fact"....do you really "know for a fact" or are you one of those unabashed Tressel supporters who fail to see his wrong in Tatgate. It defies to logic to assume the second most popular coach in Ohio State history would take a fall for one of the least popular AD's in school history.
But you might have a friend who worked with a guy who knew Jim Tressel's pharmacist's uncle's co worker who knew for a fact Tres took what he knew to Smith.
Keep trollin.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Proof?
[Deleted by 11W]
didn't you just PROMISE not to do this?????
That's ideology. NOT politics. Nice try guy.
semantics...
either way, you are going to get the ban hammer.
No I'm not. But I bet you get downvoted for not knowing the difference between ideology and politics...(and for being an annoying little whiner too:)
I like the smiley face, that was a nice touch. If by whining, you mean trying to hold you to the standards of this fine site, then alright, I am a whiner.
"semantics...
either way, you are going to get the ban hammer."
Mein fuehrer, he is saying something political. I realize it is the exact topic that I am discussing, but he is not agreeing with the Party, so his lies must be political and therefore he must be exterminated ..... errrrr banhammered
He's been doing this for a while....don't think he can help himself. His posts are filled with right wing talking points.
Again....proof?
I think I pretty much just told you all you need to know, FAUX.
And, no, I'm going to name names. I don't care if you believe me or not. I'll just say some famous former Buckeyes you would definitely recognize have mentioned this repeatedly. I trust them.
I'm 99.9% sure what "Urban..." said about JT telling GS is true.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
Not a big deal? People are being killed in foreign countries because of their sexuality. It's still legal in this country (in some states) to fire people because of their sexual preference. Kids are bullied to a point where they commit suicide over their sexual orientation. It was only 3 weeks ago a 49er player, during the biggest media day in all of sports, said he wouldn't want a gay teammate.
To be a Buckeye it's not about producing on the field, it's about being a leader off the field. Yes, I think Gene Smith is terrible at his job, but we should applaud him when he does something right.
And excuse me, but human rights shouldn't be taken lightly. Nothing is being pushed down your throat. That's a big cop out.
The 2012 National Champions.
whoa SILVER
you're comparing apples & oranges. OF COURSE people in foreign countries being killed because of their sexuality is a big deal. I didn't say it wasn't, because that's not what this is about. BTW - people being killed in foreign Muslim countries because they are Christian - is that a big deal to you?
Anyways, this is America (I think it still is), and the whole athlete being gay thing - I'm sorry - but there's probably like 1% who are. And if they come out - that's fine. I'd accept them as a teammate. But, I'm saying let's not make this a bigger deal than it is. Nobody in any professional sports league here is going to be tortured or killed because of their sexuality.
No, they won't but they would be run out of whatever locker room they were previously apart of and if you don't think that's the truth you are truly living with your head in the sand. Or up your ass. You pick.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
You're doing the lords work contrarian 'just telling like it is' bro. Keep it up. Some da we will all be enlightened.
Taquitos.
Good thing that kind of thing never happens here:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/us/sikh-temple-shooting/index.html
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-08-09/sikh-...
was this a big deal to you?
Why is it [UrbanWoodrow] had to call them "foreign" muslim countries? Wouldn't all countries outside the United States be 'foreign'. Something tells me [UrbanWoodrow] wouldn't call a western european nation a "foreign christian country". You can tell a lot about a poster from his comments and UrbanWoodrow's posts seem better suited for a narrow-minded SEC blog.
"Get him a body bag, Yeah!"
because Muslim countries are known for killing non-Muslims (mainly Christians and Jews.) Hello! Where have you been the past 30 years?, ostrich :)
Go over to Pakistan or Iran and publically proclaim that you're a Christian. GOOD LUCK! You won't be seen again, at least not in 1 piece.
[Deleted by 11W]
No one is pushing anything down the throats of anyone, other than the ones who want something pushed down their throats (HEYOOOO).
I don't mind if you are straight, just don't cram it down my throat.
P.S. I'm not gay.....not that there's anything wrong with that.
Nice Seinfeld reference.
seriously?
regardless of whether he should have been canned or not in the past, for him to step up for what is perceived as a problem should be commended. the problem is (and maybe this is where your argument lies) we don't necessarily know how big the problem is because athletes usually refuse to be open about their sexuality until their playing days are over because they're afraid. People shouldn't be afraid to be who they are - that's the point.
I like football
I think we see where you are coming from... and it is not a good place.
Pope - maybe it's an insult to be given preferential treatment based on skin color. It's an insult - it's a slap in the face, as if you're not smart enough otherwise.
You don't know what you're talking about, and are predictably foolish for assuming I was white.
We can agree there, but I did not agree with your statement about him not being fired because of his skin color.
Ok...agreed. My father is black, and my mother is white. And believe it ot not - my father is the one who tends to think this way more than my mother. But I digress.
UrbanWoodrow, I think we can let bygones be bygones. I get a little emotional when I feel like the site is being abused (even unintentionally). This is my favorite and only Buckeye site for many obvious reasons, but the less obvious reason is that politics/religion do not dominate this site.
Yes we can...bygones be bygones. No hard feelings.
This site is great, esp. when focused on all things OSU sports related, which I admittedly drifted away from.
Curious as to Pope Urban's view of homosexuality?
Does your user name push any buttons for anyone?
WE (the committee) are politely requesting you change your name to a less homophobic one.
Golden, I could not tell if this was sarcastic? Will not get into views, but I would not read into the name. I never thought about it "pushing buttons"; I have not heard that, and I hope it does not.
Totally sarcastic, and not meant as slam on you or the Catholic Church.
Just as a reminder to the PC folks, that lots of seemingly innocuous topics are political in nature.
Your posts have been good with me for a long time, including in this thread
[Deleted by 11W]
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
It has nothing to do with honesty or being PC. It is continuing to violate the policies of this website. As the policy states, there are plenty of websites to discuss politics/religion. This is not one of them
I agree Pam. Why are we discussing this?
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Because some people can't help but bring that shit here.
@ Pam: I disagree. I actually think he ("UWET") was just being honest, and non-political. He's not PC, which I find refreshing. This is a touchy subject, like it or not. And, I tell you what - because people don't approve of the overall job performance of Gene Smith, it does not make them a "bigot", or a "racist". I just feel like there are far more important things to worry about. It kind of seems if somebody states their honest opinion that you don't happen to agree with, you say it's a policy violation. As for gay acceptance, I would be fine with a teammate I guess. But, let's not pretend like the gay lifestyle is not a dangerous one. It shouldn't really be encouraged, considering the correlative statistics between gay men and HIV. People won't want to hear this, but it's true.
The rates of HIV prevalence amongst homosexual populations has been dropping steadily since the early 1990s.
...but it's still higher than straight people
Of course, but now that more homosexuals are practicing safe sex, the rates are dropping. It's just like heterosexual intercourse, use protection. Also to argue that a homosexual lifestyle is inherently more dangerous is laughable when many species partake in homosexual intercourse like elephants, dogs, bottle nose dolphins and black swans, and they do so without further endangering themselves...
I hope it drops to zero. But, gay men seem to be the most premiscous. I worry for them.
Literally everything he said was political which is a policy violation. How many posts of his were deleted? Where did I say that not approving of Gene Smith makes someone a bigot or racist? However,claiming he got the AD job due to preferential treatment is.
The rest of your comments are so offensive I don't dare respond. I would end up a Mod who got the ban hammer if I did.
Pam - what is so offensive about the truth? AIDS/HIV is muuuch higher among gays than straights...are you trying to argue that point? It is a fact. I have gay male friends, I love them...but they are easily the most premiscous people I know. Being gay is not just a "lifestyle"... it's a "deathstyle", sadly.
Labeling it a "deathstyle" is the problem. If one takes care, they don't have to worry about adverse effects, and that holds true for both heterosexuals and homosexuals.
What William said. Broad-brushing is never a good idea.
Well I hope they take care then
Just stop.
Wow, you don't like hearing facts. So much for being open-minded. Ha!
FYI, the HIV rate is higher among the gay male population because the risk of transmission via the back door is approximately 20 times higher than through the front.
Gay people are not necessarily more promiscuous than heterosexuals. We heterosexuals are plenty promiscuous. 1 in 4 of us have HPV, whether it has been diagnosed or not.
ATX- I'd be willing to bet it's more like 3 in 4. Many aren't symptomatic but are carriers.
You could very well be right, BARO. The statistic I cited is actually outdated (from late 1990s) and pertained to HPV carriers in a specific region in Texas.
Thanks for that. /:|
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Your user name is Kate Uptons upper back and you are judging people's lifestyle? I've been reading through these getting angry, but this is too much. Please bring some stats into the argument, and welcome yourself to 2013.
Kate Upton is offensive, but for an entirely different reason than his user name.
[Deleted by 11W]
+1 BuckeyeDude
The downvoters have proven you to be brilliantly correct Dude
Gene Smith did not get the AD job at tOSU because he is black or received preferential treatment
He got it because of this:
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/genrel/smith_gene00.html
Wow ... impressive resume pre-2005
NOT
Wow...missing the point entirely.
Missing what point??
That Andy Geiger and others had FAR more experience at far bigger better universities than Gene Smith did when he got hired, and that tOSU could have hired a far more experienced administrator than Gene Smith given the prestige and salary commensurate with our AD position?
I am intimidated by the fact that your user name says "moderator", but I must say that even though I suspect we vote for the same candidates, that you are remarkably aggressive in pushing your political agenda.
Moreso, in my opinion, than the god-squad rightwing folks who have been chased into the woods and basements in this thread.
[Deleted by 11W]
[Deleted by 11W]
The difference is I don't think promoting an atmosphere of acceptance for gay/lesbian athletes is a political statement. You do. And as such, you have misinterpreted everything I have said.
LOL Golden
I don't have a real problem with what Smith is doing here, but overall - our GREAT university could do MUCH better than him. I'd love to hear someone defend his work.
And I could have just responded "HA HA HA HA" to Pam's allegation that race had nothing to do with G Smith's hiring, but I did not want it misconstrued ..... I supported tOSU hiring a candidate that looked promising and may have been held back previously by virtue of his minority status.
However, once it became apparent that he sucked at his job and was either incompetent, duplicitous or both during and after tatgate, GENE SMITH SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT ON HIS ASS.
And the apologists for him are the racists .... do they really think Gene Smith is as qualified of a minority candidate that there is out there.
REALLY??? That's the nastiest kind of racist
FYI, I don't take too kindly being called a racist. It was your pal that interjected race into this discussion that had ZERO to do with race or Gene Smith's performance as an AD. And then you come along and call the people who tried to keep race out of the discussion, racists? Not only racist but, nasty racists?
REALLY????
[Deleted by 11W]
As long as you consider what Gene Smith is doing a "pro gay political statement" or continue to call me a racist or a bully (violating yet another commenting policy), there can be no debate. I'm done.
[Deleted by 11W]
[Deleted by 11W]
In a time when some grade school students choose killing themselves over being themselves, I'd say this is a big deal and, hopefully, a big help.
Class of 2008
"Hey look, Gordon Gee just helped raise a ton of money at Pelotonia -- but let's talk about his salary!"
"Man, did you hear about how skilled of a painter Matthew LeBlanc is? Eh, that's irrelevant dude -- the JOEY show sucked."
Pivot away, sir. Non-sequiturs are fun.
Taquitos.
Gene smith is far from perfect, but overall he is an asset to OSU. For an example of this I would suggest reading the article from sports illustrated where they run a mock football playoff selection committee. Smith is the alpha dog in a group of people that are used to being listened to. Other than one major judgement error I can't say that he has done anything that bad.
This is often overlooked Gum, thank you for bringing this up.
2007 schedule
2008 schedule
2009 oversight/coverup?/miscalc/PR buffonery
2010 schedule
2011 schedule
2012 schedule ------ REALLY??
2013 schedule ------ REALLY?? And let's blame the lower tier school for pulling out of our brilliant schedule??? Who has that happen to them???
2014 schedule
This is absolutely fantastic and makes me proud of my university.
Taquitos.
This comment really got down votes??
This is the world we live in. The world where a soldier gets booed for serving his country and admitting he's gay.
[Deleted by 11W]
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
I wasn't talking about that incident, though I don't know what it is in reference to. I was talking about the soldier who asked a question at a major party debate and he was booed.
Yes, I would. It is appropriate. You don't like people discussing sexuality and discrimination then I don't know what to say.
I wasn't talking about that incident, though I don't know what it is in reference to. I was talking about the soldier who asked a question at a major party debate and he was booed.
Yes, I would. It is appropriate. You don't like people discussing sexuality and discrimination then I don't know what to say.
How could it be appropriate. I get that you are referring to a whole category of actions, and the other poster is referring to a specific point, but it would be inappropriate. Doing so would take away from the individuals who are being celebrated on the day. Its not discussing sexuality and discrimination as I am open to either one (obviously not on 11w), but using a commencement speech as a political platform belittles the accomplishments of the individuals being presented. Essentially saying taking the Kanye approach of "look you guys did great, but whatever I have to say is more important than that"
Unfortunately, far too many people would give a shit; such a thing would forever define him, rather than his legacy as the leader of the free world. We've come a long way towards fighting stereotypes and prejudice, but that just underscores the fact that we've got a long way to go.
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!! There are people, many people, who refuse to go to certain restaurants because of their stance about Gay people. I'm not talking about Chic-fil-a either. On a regular basis I see ignorant posts on facebook or Twitter about gay people. Out in public people make unreal comments about homosexuals too.
A lot of people GIVE WAY MORE SHIT then they should about someone else's sexuality.
Here in NKY, there were several hate crimes on a strip of bars geared strictly toward gay men. A group of men were basically hunting them down on the weekends and beating the hell out of them on the street and robbing them. It was always a gay male, and slurs were used etc. It's a big deal still. As Hodge said earlier, it's very sad that no matter how far we've come we have such a long way to go.
[Deleted by 11W]
On this issue in particular it would seem that the people who downvoted are cowards and didn't wish to express their opinion openly for us to point out their stupidity.
Here here!
And using Explosions in the Sky for the score is an extra treat!
Good ear. Love that song.
The 2012 National Champions.
agreed, denny! i've always told people that while i love buckeye football, the ohio state university is the most special place in the world to me for reasons that have nothing to do with athletics. there are a lot of things i can point to to illustrate that fact, and now the 'you can play' video is among them. i'm incredibly proud of the hockey program, the athletic department, and the university.
swing hard in case you hit it.
Good for us.
Kudos to Smith and the hockey team for being part of this. Hopefully this expands throughout all the athletics programs and continues to get promoted...
It's amazing how many downvotes some of these comments are getting that are just commending the university on this. Your gay friends that you don't know you have are disappointed in you...
Just adding on: OSU has the both the largest GLBT Alumni Association and the largest endowed GLBT scholarship fund in the US. Whether or not folks here know it, our beloved OSU has been on the leading edge of creating a safe space for minorities of all sorts for a long time now. I'm proud to see our athletic department publicly joining the party!
Once again, tOSU leads the way in making the world a better place. The downvoters in this thread are fighting a losing battle and most likely hold an archaic belief system. Props Gene, for a change, haha.
This thread has gone to shit. They should close it, touchy subject and people should agree to disagree.
Wherever you are, there you be!
It shouldn't be a touchy subject.
Looking forward to the day when it isn't a subject at all.
It is when people are putting people's beliefs down. I have no problem with gays. But if you say you're proud and "straight" your labeled a "gay basher". If your white and proud you're labeled a "Klan member" but everyone else gets a parade and a month out of the year to have it shoved down my throat. There are no equal rights in this country, people want special privileges. It is so divided, so agree to disagree, nobody is going to change anyone's views or belief. I have mixed family and gay family members I see both sides equally, but not everyone will agree.
Wherever you are, there you be!
Amen Boom!
There is so much wrong with this post I have no idea where to begin. I've never heard so much whining about "shoved down my throat". It's sickening. Nothing is being shoved down your throat. Don't like the pride parade? DON'T GO TO IT.
Excuse me "shoved down my throat" comes off wrong. My point was certain people get it, certain people don't. Hell most gay guys are better looking than me and in better shape, that doesn't bother me! Thank you for not liking chicks! Honestly I wish more guys were gay!
Wherever you are, there you be!
And at least one voter thinks it should be a touchy subject...
Some comments in this thread show exactly why this kind of thing is necessary. Good job OSU and Smith for taking the initiative to create an accepting environment.
It shouldn't be but it is. IMO if we aren't supposed to talk politics and religion here (which I'm fine with) why should we have stories involving it or a topic sure to offend some or many?
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
How are human rights analogous to politics and religion?
I guess what I meant was why would a story sure to start an arguement about a touchy subject be posted if our policies are set to not allow that behavior amoung us?
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
It is posted because it is something our athletic department is doing. If people want to get pissy about it, well, let the ignorant show their ignorance proudly for all to see.
I pursued civil rights probably before you were born, and have supported gay rights vocally for 30 years. I chose to go to the center of the civil rights universe for college and have grounded my children in civil and human rights as well.
That said, I am proudly and openly downvoting your posts right now because they are as obnoxious and intolerant as those of the haters and possibly more ignorant in that you do not recognize the issue as political
This is something to be proud of. I couldn't be any prouder of my alma mater than I am right now. It is not a "touchy subject" to do the right thing
Don't run from it Dante...
The aggressive left always accuses the rights' positions as being politics or religion and their own position as being human rights.
STOP THE BULLYING LA
We were having a civil discussion that didn't require subsequently-deleted posts. I'm not sure why you'd call that bullying...
What is offensive about our school taking a stand against intolerance and bigotry?
Seriously, who downvoted this comment? ^
Someone who is offended by our great school taking a stand against homophobia and intolerance
Or someone who has an axe to grind with you. Either one is not good.
I definitely have a down vote stalker
To that voter I say "quick, hide! Your bias is showing!"
This is a fine example of why I am a strong advocate of transparency in voting.
Nothing at all. I'm simply stating why post a story sure to start arguements? that is all. I have no problem with what Smith or tOSU are doing, I'm asking why bother posting it if the staff knows there is a good chance an arguement would insue?
My initial thought when clicking on this Buckshot was, Good. I agree..... followed by, shit... I bet this comment section will get out of control with one lone comment someone disagrees with.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
My response would be (of course, I don't represent 11W) that this website's aim is to inform us about Ohio State athletics, not let us know about Ohio State athletics only when the activities won't get prejudiced people upset.
Are you calling me prejudiced?
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
When did I say that? I thought we were talking about the downvoters and the people getting worked up above?
My bad. I thought I posted that I support the movement by Gene Smith. Sorry about that.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
Arguments can ensue about any number of things here. Just on the topic of Gene Smith, we've had people advocating both for and against his firing on several occasions over the last couple of years (for the record, I thought that while there's no evidence for the frequently stated charge that "Tressel fell on his sword to protect the higher-ups," Smith's overall handling of the NCAA stuff warranted him being replaced). Arguments aren't necessarily bad.
A problem I see in this thread is the number of people who have drifted well off topic. It actually started out OK, with comments about this specific initiative of OSU and Gene Smith. It's possible to oppose that and still stay on point, but the stuff about AIDS transmission rates, and the way-gratuitous mention of Smith's race, are irrelevant and did nothing but throw the thread off course.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
[Deleted by 11W]
You are WAY over the line. I don't know why you have singled me out with your name calling and personal attacks, but you need to stop. Seriously
I have posted responses to assertions I take issue with. If you feel singled out, maybe you should reread your intensely political posts, or stop posting them.
[Deleted by 11W]
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
My favorite:
Yup. Saving that one. (I'm too lazy to make my own)
I am so lazy that I married a pregnant woman
I literally do not know what to say to this.
As opposed to not knowing figuratively how to respond?
Could say: "cute", or "old" or "not funny"
That chimp's nuts.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
HATERS GONNA HATE
Is that you Flava Flav?
"Get him a body bag, Yeah!"
Wow...those pics are so gay!
Haha...j/k
Came here to praise OSU/Smith and also view the train wreck I knew this thread was going to become.
I was not disappointed.
"Anything easy ain't worth a damn." - Wayne Woodrow Hayes
This:
[Deleted by 11W]
Curious from where you derive your statistics... It sure seems like you're pulling the 0.01% number out of thin air. Source?
Calling you out again, you make it to easy by the way.
Maybe leave Pam alone for a bit and spew your nonsense towards me?
Almost forgot... just to be clear, one of those down votes you received is mine.
Knew I'd forget something...
I suspect the reason Gene is on board has less to do with bowing appease folks with an "agenda" and more to do with his gay daughter. That's just a theory I'm floating, but makes sense to me. What do you suppose the likelihood is that I'm right (as a percentage of course)?
using the word "homophobia" in the title is divisive...
anybody not on board with the agenda is automatically a "homophobe"
Probably a "bigot", too
Yeah, ok. That's fair.
Wow, what in Samuel L Jackson is going on in this thread??? Not sure why tress would fall on the sword for Smith though.. that doesn't really make sense. What does/did he gain from that if he did?? Sacrifice his job so Smith could keep his??? Doubtful.
I think you always fear what you don't understand. It seems many straight people don't understand homosexuality. I know I don't fully understand what makes someone gay. I have two lesbian friends and they said you're born that way. Which makes sense I guess, because otherwise why would you choose a lifestyle that endures many hardships. I suppose people that fully understand homosexuality are ahead of the societal curve to a degree. I try to accept people for who they are as a person. I try to judge on the content of ones character. Do I always? No, I'm flawed, we all are. I have my religious beliefs, but it's 2013 so I'm not trying to persecute someone for their sexual orientation.
" ... let's beat the shit out of M*chigan." -Urban Meyer-
WOW! (Insert Ron Burgundy "that escalated quickly" photo here). Thread started out innocently enough, turned violent, now pretty much blows...
IMHO, no matter your politics or world views - seems to me as though this is something that you look at & are just proud of OSU - the university as a whole - for taking a stand & the lead on an issue such as this...Personal feelings about one man & whether you feel this one man handled tat-gate properly are probably not nearly as important as understanding that the school we all love has taken a step towards making college athletics more tolerant and athletes more welcome. Go Bucks!
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
Poison, perfectly written. You wrote what I was feeling much better than I.
I came to this thread to say exactly the same thing, just not as well. Excellent post.
Thank you both for the kind words.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
Poison, Thanks for putting this thread back on track. Could not have stated it more eloquently. Really wish I could have given you more than one upvote.
Regardless of where this thread went - and in my opinion, where it went is a DAMN shame...once again I am proud to be a Buckeye. Lead the way, Gene and Company!
I don't understand why 11w links/reports issues surrounding homosexuality and leaves the commenting section "open for discussion". No one should ever be mistreated for their orientation but at the same time no one should have to be forced to embrace the lifestyle as appropriate. This is a politically charged topic and inviting comments on the matter only invites one view as far as the commenting policy is concerned. Reading through the comments it is apparent what stance the staff takes on the matter. "I write this with respect and no animosity toward the staff or any group of people on one side or the other"
Because it's news that involves Ohio State. If you can't comment on it without violating 11W's commenting policy, just don't comment. It's really not that complicated.
We will never censure Ohio State news out of fear that our commenters cannot handle it. There are well over 10,000 registered users here - I can count the number of posters whom I've deleted comments from on my hands.
To be clear I respect you and the staff here at 11w. I also agree that there should be acceptance of any orientation on our teams. I have further views that drift away from the topic posted. Life is a sewer, be careful where you step.
I deleted posts that were overtly political or contained terms like "Right" or "Left" without any discretion to the rest of the post.
Did not delete posts that don't explicitly violate the 11W commenting policy on politics or religion. So if you're bewildered as to why some posts are still there, that's why. I don't take deletions lightly - personally I'd like to wipe out half of this thread, but I'll save my activism for a forum where it's permitted. Follow the rules. They're easy.
The Internet is a sewer. Don't make 11W a sewer too. Thanks.
Edit: This is also not the forum for your thoughts on the Civil Rights movement vs. marriage equality, etc, no matter how good or bad your position might be.
[deleted by 11W]
"Leave...Your...Mark..."
Weak sauce to whomever deleted the post - I didn't violate the commenting policy at all which states:
"As a community, we welcome all thoughts, whether they be supportive, dissenting, critical or otherwise. We do, however, have a shortlist of rules that you will agree to whenever you post a comment on 11W."
I didn't mention anything political or religious, didn't use any hateful speech regarding race or sexuality, stayed on topic, kept perspective, and am not trolling.
I'll re-summarize: I admire the good intentions of The Ohio State University. IMHO this issue doesn't deserve a grandstanding movement of promotion and will likely cause more harm than good. People are always going to not like something or someone whether it's justified or not. We all have to deal with bigotry in very specific forms that are only relative in a very limited scope. We will continue to do so because the system is broken. The End.
"Leave...Your...Mark..."
This is why you were deleted - I don't edit posts; I delete them wholesale.
THIS THREAD IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!!!!!!!
“The teams that don’t respect their coaches and don’t trust their coaches are the teams that go .500"
~Zach Boren
This thread COMPLETELY violates the anti political policy. If you don't think this is not a political/religious issue you are nuts. Over 180 posts and they ALL are political. Many of us believe homosexuality is a moral issue. We also don't want our children reading about it. 11W is supposed to be apolitical, when in fact this thread shows it is not. If you disagree with this thread and the Obama commencement address you get down voted heavily. But, if you think it is ok then there are upvotes aplenty. That is political. It also shows that the site condones and promotes one political view. Giving some of us who don't agree with the leftist lean a disadvantage and a more hostile environment.
Pam, as a moderator you should see that. As a mod you let this thread get off the track. You also openly participated in this thread and stated your viewpoint, while attacking posters that did not nor do not agree with you. The job of the moderator is to be above the fray, not wade waste deep into it and alienate posters. No matter if you agree or not. I believe your moderator responsibilities should be rescinded because of the personal attacks you made to posters of this site.
I know this post will be greeted with downvotes. That is your choice. But, this is my opinion and I stand by it.
Doc
Ohio State did something. We will always report when that happens - and hope that the commenters will comment by the rules or not comment at all. There's no commenting requirement.
11W doesn't control the up/downvotes. That's a reflection of the commentariat - interpret as you wish.
I deleted both pro and anti comments that overtly violated the policy. There are undeleted pro and anti comments in this thread and the Commencement thread that don't violate it. We don't have the time or interest in interpreting or selectively editing posts - if I see a words like "gay agenda" or "Faux News" I just wipe the whole thing out and move on.
Ramzy, you can not tell me that this thread and subject matter isn't charged. What other topics get this many posts and votes? You are kidding yourself if you don't think posting something that is "anti gay" or "pro gay" is not violating your policy. Just because it happens at Ohio State doesn't mean it needs a Buckshot. The easy way to go with it would have been to not allow commenting to this particular "news" story, the same holds true to the Obama one. This is a mistake you have made concerning this topic. Homosexuality is a political/religious hand grenade. Those of us that disagree with it are close minded and not enlightened like the rest of ya.
I have to agree with you about Pam. It was something that bothered me last night and has in the past. My issue is that every time there is a political argument on this website, I always see Pam's name multiple times throughout the comments. As a Mod it is one thing to tell people to stop speaking politically, but another to then argue the other side of an issue. I had no problem with her stating initial opinion, but once it became political she has to step out. This has now happened on at least 3 separate threads, and I have seen threads been Moderated whether by her or another individual and instead of deleting all political threads they seemed to delete specific ones.
This is not meant as a personal attack, but at the same time I feel as though a Mod's job is to watch the comments and delete comments that could be seen as inflammatory not argue those comments. If that is too much to ask, then I feel as though Pam's status should be dropped down to regular commenter. I know GSW doesn't think to highly of the Mod status, but it hurts the image of 11w and all involved if one person has a Mod next to their name and is engaging in political issues.
I don't necessarily believe that there's a politically-biased groupthink regarding up and downvotes, I just believe that the voting here shows that it's very hard to articulate a negative view of Gene's comments without wading into idealogical waters. If one is sympathetic to said cause, it's quite easy to merely post something nice about Gene's statements ("yay for acceptance", etc.) while still avoiding an overt political stance (perhaps it's indicated, but implicit); whereas attacking Gene's comments almost directly indicate a political message, hence the downvotes. Basically, if you're going to be contrarian, you've got to carefully design a message so as not to inflame a bunch of readers who may take it as a political stance. I don't believe that was your intent, and you articulated your opinion well; a lot of other people who've been "neg-bombed" could've learned something here.
Hodge, in my opinion commenting AT ALL is breaking the policy. A "yay for acceptance" is a political/religious stance. You stated yourself that a contrarian response had to be carefully designed. That, in and of itself, makes a hostile environment. It also gives the illusion that the site condones one political/religious viewpoint over another. 11W strives to be better than that, but in this scenario, along with the Obama speech the site has failed. And to me it has failed miserably.
well put
edit: this was for Doc
"Winter is coming" - Urban Meyer
THIS^^^^^^
Well said Doc
"Leave...Your...Mark..."
I invite you to look up political in the dictionary and refer to what in that post was political.
I understand it is an issue for which there may be disagreement for reasons that may transcend the topic, but that isn't political. I could make a post about the 3-4 defense and you could make a political comment on it. You may be opposed to the length of shorts the basketball team wears for religious reasons, that doesn't mean you are allowed to comment and debate those religious reasons here.
The commenting policy is simple, no religion and no politics. That was apparently too hard for some in this thread, which I'm sure was, to an extent, anticipated. Unfortunate really.
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody
Not sure if this was intentional (not my intent to be the spelling/grammar police), but certainly indicative of where this thread has gone.
What have we learned, friends? Anything?
How is this even controversial? Has the argument moved from allowing gay marriage to allowing gay athletes to play college sports?
Student athletes of any gender/race/religion/sexual orientation should be welcomed at Ohio State without pause.
"The original Latin word "universitas" refers in general to "a number of persons associated into one body, a society, company, community, guild, corporation, etc."[2] At the time of the emergence of urban town life and medieval guilds, specialized "associations of students and teachers with collective legal rights usually guaranteed by charters issued by princes, prelates, or the towns in which they were located" came to be denominated by this general term."
"An important idea in the definition of a university is the notion of academic freedom. The first documentary evidence of this comes from early in the life of the first university. The University of Bologna adopted an academic charter, the Constitutio Habita,[4] in 1158 or 1155,[5] which guaranteed the right of a traveling scholar to unhindered passage in the interests of education. Today this is claimed as the origin of "academic freedom".[6] This is now widely recognized internationally - on 18 September 1988 430 university rectors signed the Magna Charta Universitatum,[7] marking the 900th anniversary of Bologna's foundation. The number of universities signing the Magna Charta Universitatum continues to grow, drawing from all parts of the world."
Source: Wikipedia.