Club Statement

[bornadog]

2:31 PM Thu 20 May, 2010

Western Bulldogs Statement

In light of the Jason Akermanis personal opinion piece in today’s edition of the Herald Sun the Western Bulldogs clearly state our position in regards to homophobia in sport.

The Western Bulldogs are a progressive, community based organisation that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming.

Jason Akermanis’ article is based on his opinion and by no means does he speak for the Club or AFL players as a whole.

The Club do not agree with the views expressed by Jason Akermanis in relation to the potentially negative impact an openly gay footballer would have on a club.

The intention of Jason’s opinion piece was to highlight the issue of homophobia in AFL football, in the hope it would spark debate within the community and provide a catalyst for a change in attitudes.

A reflection of this is clear in today’s article.

“We have made massive steps in other areas of society and in time I hope the environment changes to a degree where coming out isn't a big deal,” Akermanis said.

The Western Bulldogs welcome any person regardless of race, religion or sexual preference and any suggestion to the contrary ignores the tireless work the Club and the AFL does in the Community to open the doors of AFL football to all.

The Club have a long and proud history as a community leader in championing marginalised and minority groups through an extensive range of multicultural, settlement, educational and outreach based programs.

The Club also fully supports the AFL, who have undoubtedly shown the way in terms of confronting and dealing with a range of difficult social and cultural issues.

This issue is one that will undoubtedly benefit from an open and inclusive discussion and is one that the Bulldogs are actively involved in joining and promoting.

To that end the Western Bulldogs, along with our partners Victoria University, are today joining VicHealth and the Gay and Lesbian Health Organisation of Victoria in launching the “Come out to Play” report.

An Australian first, the report details the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans gender people who participate in sport and the challenges still being faced.

The Club hopes that with Jason raising the issue of homophobia it will spark a necessary debate within the industry and provide a vehicle for change.
for westernbulldogs.com.au

[bornadog]

This is all in response to this:

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is seeking your support as a member of the Australian sport community, to join the ASC in taking a stance on addressing homophobia in sport as part of today’s celebration of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) May 17th, 2010.

This year's IDAHO theme “Speaking about Silence: Homophobia in the Sports World” encourages all people involved in sport, as participants, fans, players, spectators or administrators to stand up to homophobia wherever they see it. A national survey, Writing Themselves In Again”, identified sport as the second most threatening environment for same sex attracted youth in Australia – we need to change this.

[Ozza]

Aker's certainly created a another media storm hasn't he....

[LostDoggy]

Aker's certainly created a another media storm hasn't he....

Probably his biggest at our club!

[Sockeye Salmon]

Aker's certainly created a another media storm hasn't he....

In a tea cup perhaps.

I don't think Aker said anything. A player coming out will put pressure on himself. Hardly ground breaking stuff.

[The Coon Dog]

Roos slams Aker's gay comments as bizarre (http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/8123/newsid/94669/default.aspx)

And this:

Jason Akermanis column goes global (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jason-akermanis-column-goes-global/story-e6frf9jf-1225869151586)

[bornadog]

Good debate.

If it wasn't such an issue, then why hasn't any player come out? They say 10% of the population is gay, so there must be 60 odd gay players out there.

[LostDoggy]

Even though it isn't correct in today's society saying something like that - he is probably 100% spot on.

Aker's been at 2 clubs, played for many years, he would know what the reactions of his former and current teammates would be.

I know I would be funny being naked around a gay guy.

[LostDoggy]

The media would have lit up their faces with delight this morning when they read his column. I agree 100% with Aker that it's not going to be all fun and games and “no, please, come and sit with the boys and have a beer” for the first player to come out, but I don't agree that they shouldn't. I think someone will one day have the guts to stand up and say, “I'm gay, and I couldn't give two shits about what you think of it.” and then have the courage to see it out. Nicky Winmar…

The media will create a shitstorm, Aker will be right, but then hopefully that paves the way for others to come out as well. So if you're reading this, Dale Thomas, now's the time buddy…

[LostDoggy]

Even though it isn't correct in today's society saying something like that - he is probably 100% spot on.

Aker's been at 2 clubs, played for many years, he would know what the reactions of his former and current teammates would be.

I know I would be funny being naked around a gay guy.

Absolutely, and I read his column as an attack on homophobia within football, not as an attack on homosexuality.

For my part, I don't care. Here for the football. I also don't care about showering around naked gay men, I was in the Navy for 4 years and slept two bunks above one. Never had a problem…

[LostDoggy]

Geez did anyone actually read the bloody article...
If a player came out so to speak all hell would break loose -look at the Eddie maguire and Mick Molloy or whoever the other muppet was at the winter Olympics carry on imagine that time about 100000...

Footy is still homophobic - maybe in another 10 years football will be ready...
Everyone's the bloody same - they just like a different sort of porno!!

[LostDoggy]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

[Cyberdoggie]

Footy is still homophobic - maybe in another 10 years football will be ready...
Everyone's the bloody same - they just like a different sort of porno!!

Hehehe, that's an interesting way of putting it.

[aker39]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..


Aker needs to read this

[LostDoggy]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

Thanks for sharing that with us mate, it's great to get the perspective of somebody who actually knows what they're talking about.

When you get down to the real issue, it's the media that's the problem, not the other teammates.

[bornadog]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

Why haven't any come out to now? I would say that they are worried about the backlash, but hey they shouldn't be in this day and age.

[chef]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

Glad it worked out that way for you mate. There is a young guy up this way who was asked to leave a club after making a few remarks on face book about the attractiveness of a teammate.

[Bulldog4life]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

Good on you B-Rad,
You show a lot of guts for telling your story. I greatly admire you honesty.:)

[Sockeye Salmon]

Good debate.

If it wasn't such an issue, then why hasn't any player come out? They say 10% of the population is gay, so there must be 60 odd gay players out there.

Not necessarily.

Football clubs by nature do tend to be homophobic, so gays will be discriminated against and many will drop out of the game. Certainly there is no doubt that there are gay footballers, no question, but I tend to think there would be fewer than the average.

[bornadog]

Aker got it wrong, says Eade

By Jennifer Witham
3:39 PM Thu 20 May, 2010

WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade believes the AFL and its clubs are ready to accept a player should he openly admit homosexuality.

Eade refuted Jason Akermanis's claim a player coming out could "break the fabric of a club", which was published in the star Bulldog's column in the Herald Sun on Thursday.

"I think we've come a long way and I think the AFL leads the way in that aspect," Eade said at the Come Out to Play report launch on Thursday.

"Certainly at the Bulldogs, we think we've got a terrific culture and environment. We select players on what they can do on and off the field as individuals; for their football talent, character and what they bring to the club"

Eade also said Akermanis's thoughts did not reflect that of the club as a whole.

More to come.

[The Coon Dog]

If one of our players came out & said that were gay, would anyone really care?

I know I wouldn't.

I guess it would be a media shitstorm for a week or so, but then it will die down pretty quickly.

[bornadog]

If one of our players came out & said that were gay, would anyone really care?

I know I wouldn't.

I guess it would be a media shitstorm for a week or so, but then it will die down pret


The trouble is this:

Reference Australian Sports Commission.

" A national survey, Writing Themselves In Again”, identified sport as the second most threatening environment for same sex attracted youth in Australia – we need to change this.

[lemmon]

Agree with the general consensus, the problem would not be from team mates or other players but from the massive amounts of media that would chase the story.

[LostDoggy]

If one of our players came out & said that were gay, would anyone really care?

I know I wouldn't.

I guess it would be a media shitstorm for a week or so, but then it will die down pret

Agreed.
It shouldn't be such a big deal!

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Probably his biggest at our club!

It's no storm, it is a non event in the sense that who cares if an AFL player is gay? We just hope he finds elusive love, like anybody, if we care about anybody else's love life. All football followers should care about is if the player can play footy. The rest is interesting but not as important.

[GVGjr]

If one of our players came out & said that were gay, would anyone really care?

I know I wouldn't.

I guess it would be a media shitstorm for a week or so, but then it will die down pret

Opposition supporters though would have a field day.
I find it disturbing that so many supporters get down to the gutter level to rubbish an opposition player and we can even point towards a highly regarded coach who recently crossed the line of decency.

If a respected player came out then I don't think it would cause too much of a storm a week or two later but if it was an emerging player it would be vastly more difficult to manage.

[LostDoggy]

Problem you have is the community is still very homophobic, i see it even at my current place of employment.

What Aker was saying, i think wasn't necessarily how people are taking it. Whether people like it or not, it wouldn't be accepted among many circles, as much as AFL clubs & admin would like you to think. It's the very reason why majority of sports stars come out after they've finished performing in that career path, because they realise the impact it would have.

[GVGjr]

I wonder why the club hasn't been vetting his articles before they hit the news stands?
It all sounds like a late attempt to distance themselves from the article when clearly Aker should have warned the club that what he wanted printed was likely to cause some headlines.

It certainly doesn't appear that Akermanis extended the club the courtesy of a heads up.

[LostDoggy]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

Good on ya B-Rad for your honesty. However, whilst I agree that nobody should be discriminated against, how the world 'should be' and how it is are two different things.

With respect, I disagree with your reading of Aker's comments. You said that "if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them." That's great, but I don't think Aker said that gay players should be prevented from coming out. That would be discrimination if it occurred. All I read him as saying was that, from his personal perspective, it would be difficult for a person to come out in the AFL environment because of prejudices that, sadly, still exist. (And which may be more concentrated in a professional sporting environment, where physicality is a person's livelihood).

In any case, a person has to suggest that someone is inferior or unworthy in order to be racist, sexist, homophobic etc. Raising a controversial issue doesn't in itself make that suggestion.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

I wonder why the club hasn't been vetting his articles before they hit the news stands?
It all sounds like a late attempt to distance themselves from the article when clearly Aker should have warned the club that what he wanted printed was likely to cause some headlines.

It certainly doesn't appear that Akermanis extended the club the courtesy of a heads up.

I haven't read Akermanis' article but I scanned the club's response which praised his stance on 'homophobia'. I believe he has raised an issue that is overdue to be akerknowledged sorry acknowledged in the football community. Gays have always been, will always be and are different to heteros but are great because their diversity adds to the mix and their sexuality is their own business and is nobody else's business unless it affects a non gay which it doesn't. Unless you want it to.... for example you may want to feel superior to someone else and recognise that a certain group may feel vulnerable and at a disadvatage, like gays, so you can make yourself feel better than them by bagging them. Quite a few football supporters like to bag, even Eagleton or their own players, and so would bag a gay player. I think this is what Aker is referring to.

[LostDoggy]

Typical Aker article, creating a media sh1tstorm like TCD mentioned..

It's ridiculous how Facebook-related groups come out so quickly these days, just saw one with 100 members strong already: 'I would rather have a shower with 20 gay footy players than with Akermanis'

And Lets hope he comes out on Saturday and has a brilliant game :)

[LostDoggy]

I wonder why the club hasn't been vetting his articles before they hit the news stands?
It all sounds like a late attempt to distance themselves from the article when clearly Aker should have warned the club that what he wanted printed was likely to cause some headlines.

It certainly doesn't appear that Akermanis extended the club the courtesy of a heads up.

I thought all his articles were supposed to be run past the club? because of last year.

[chef]

I thought all his articles were supposed to be run past the club? because of last year.

IMO the headline(which is out of Akers control) was the problem. Most people had already formed their opinions about the article before they had even read it.

[LostDoggy]

Good on ya B-Rad for your honesty. However, whilst I agree that nobody should be discriminated against, how the world 'should be' and how it is are two different things.

With respect, I disagree with your reading of Aker's comments. You said that "if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them." That's great, but I don't think Aker said that gay players should be prevented from coming out. That would be discrimination if it occurred. All I read him as saying was that, from his personal perspective, it would be difficult for a person to come out in the AFL environment because of prejudices that, sadly, still exist. (And which may be more concentrated in a professional sporting environment, where physicality is a person's livelihood).

In any case, a person has to suggest that someone is inferior or unworthy in order to be racist, sexist, homophobic etc. Raising a controversial issue doesn't in itself make that suggestion.

What I really don't understand is Aker has written an extremely similar column like this a few years back, including his story about playing in the 2's at Mayne.
He knows this is an extremely thin line to walk on, so why did he risk it AGAIN!? It wasn't very necessary IMO.

[Ghost Dog]

In a tea cup perhaps.

I don't think Aker said anything. A player coming out will put pressure on himself. Hardly ground breaking stuff.

I agree. Aker never suggested that people should not come out per say. Just that as an AFL footballer, it might still be unwise to do so.

[Ghost Dog]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..


Good on you. It's why societies like ours succeed while others, which repress homosexuals falter ( Asia, Middle east, most of the world! ). You guys are a part of our community and it is our interest to see you thrive, enjoy life as everyone is equal.
People will call you stuff even if you are NOT gay. James Hird copped that for years. What's the Dif? I hope Aker wanders on to woof and reads your post.

[bornadog]

Read post number 2. Aker didn't just decide he was going to write this up, its not an original idea.

Also have a look at the footballers on this site supporting Gays in Sport.

http://www.thisisoz.com.au/

and also

http://stophomophobiatoday.com/2010-photos/

[The Adelaide Connection]

On the 7pm project they mentioned that Aker was approached to write the article (I think they said by the Players Association?). Without Akers article generating a bit of debate and buying some media space the other efforts by the organisations involved would not have anywhere near the support or coverage. So some are castrating him, but perhaps he has taken one for the team a little and done a fairly noble act? Yes it would also benefit him.

Reading the article and listening to him speak on it all I don't think he has done a lot wrong. He has basically said that it would be good to see a time when players could come out but in his opinion the level of homophobia (probably in clubs but certainly also in the general population) is such that he wouldn't recommend it now.

I have to say that in this regard (for the average player) I would have to agree with him. Being that it is a highly personal issue it would take a very mentally strong player to be able to come out and not let the resultant media circus put them off their game a bit. As mentioned we would need an established senior player, who would be less likely to be affected, to pave the way.

[Raw Toast]

Reading the article and listening to him speak on it all I don't think he has done a lot wrong. He has basically said that it would be good to see a time when players could come out but in his opinion the level of homophobia (probably in clubs but certainly also in the general population) is such that he wouldn't recommend it now.

I've loved having Aker at the club but I have to say I think he deserves some condemnation for this. His article in the HUN showcased his own homophobia along with noting that footy is still a pretty homophobic place.

I don't think we need to hear from Akermanis that he would be uncomfortable showering with a gay player, or that he wouldn't want to be tapped on the bum by them. What's gained from broadcasting his own issues with this? And it was his own discomfort that Aker's subsequent radio and tv soundbites focussed on.

The study released today showed that there a very significant number of same-sex attracted men (and women but that is a bit of a different issue) would like to play footy but don't because of how homophobic the culture is. This is what the AFL Players Association is now campaigning against, and as Akermanis himself noted, there's more at stake than just sport. Same-sex attracted youth in particular are at much greater risk of self-harm and the homophobia associated with sport is one of the key things that makes many of them feel bad about themselves.

[The Coon Dog]

Coming out is not hell, it's being honest to oneself and teammates

Ian Roberts - The Age - 21 May

WHAT was Jason Akermanis thinking? The thing that frustrates me about his comments regarding gays is what he says is of no benefit to anyone. His opinion - on something he knows nothing about - is a waste of time.

I don't know what motivated him to say what he said. Maybe he is just plain stupid, or perhaps he was just making a grab at some more notoriety for himself. He's coming up to retirement, he's got a regular gig on radio, so he may just be looking at getting more gigs for the future.

Article in full... (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/coming-out-is-not-hell-its-being-honest-to-oneself-and-teammates-20100520-vou2.html)

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Coming out is not hell, it's being honest to oneself and teammates

Ian Roberts - The Age - 21 May

WHAT was Jason Akermanis thinking? The thing that frustrates me about his comments regarding gays is what he says is of no benefit to anyone. His opinion - on something he knows nothing about - is a waste of time.

I don't know what motivated him to say what he said. Maybe he is just plain stupid, or perhaps he was just making a grab at some more notoriety for himself. He's coming up to retirement, he's got a regular gig on radio, so he may just be looking at getting more gigs for the future.

Article in full... (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/coming-out-is-not-hell-its-being-honest-to-oneself-and-teammates-20100520-vou2.html)

Typically insincere media beat up crap. This guy is just generating print space using mock indignation.

[Mofra]

Typically insincere media beat up crap. This guy is just generating print space using mock indignation.
Absolute Bull.

He came out as a League player in the 80s, and incredibly brave thing to do.
His opinion is probably more sincere and more accurate than any other column we are likely to see on the issue.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Absolute Bull.

He came out as a League player in the 80s, and incredibly brave thing to do.
His opinion is probably more sincere and more accurate than any other column we are likely to see on the issue.

I'm with DroopSt on this.

A NSW minister resigned yesterday after being caught going into a gay club.

Sure he was married, but what politian resigns for infidelity? Gay ones, apparently.


Ian Roberts can carry on all he likes about how he would like the world to be, but political parties deal in the reality of the ballot box and David Cameron resigned because too many people still don't accept gays.

[The Pie Man]

I'm with DroopSt on this.

A NSW minister resigned yesterday after being caught going into a gay club.

Sure he was married, but what politian resigns for infidelity? Gay ones, apparently.


Ian Roberts can carry on all he likes about how he would like the world to be, but political parties deal in the reality of the ballot box and David Cameron resigned because too many people still don't accept gays.

He campaigned on a platform of family values - if he was busted with a woman prostitiute, I'm sure the end result would be the same.

Not that you don't have a point re: acceptance - he may have tried to ride it out if say for example he was caught having an affair with a woman colleague. Who knows

[LostDoggy]

I've loved having Aker at the club but I have to say I think he deserves some condemnation for this. His article in the HUN showcased his own homophobia along with noting that footy is still a pretty homophobic place.

I don't think we need to hear from Akermanis that he would be uncomfortable showering with a gay player, or that he wouldn't want to be tapped on the bum by them. What's gained from broadcasting his own issues with this? And it was his own discomfort that Aker's subsequent radio and tv soundbites focussed on.

The study released today showed that there a very significant number of same-sex attracted men (and women but that is a bit of a different issue) would like to play footy but don't because of how homophobic the culture is. This is what the AFL Players Association is now campaigning against, and as Akermanis himself noted, there's more at stake than just sport. Same-sex attracted youth in particular are at much greater risk of self-harm and the homophobia associated with sport is one of the key things that makes many of them feel bad about themselves.

I'm sorry, but this is just wrong. Aker is not to be condemned for talking about being uncomfortable in the shower — I'll explain why I think that: He went on to say he wishes he'd have addressed it differently, sat down with the guy and tried to understand. Unfortunately, politically-correct media hounds have jumped on this classic quote of “homophobia” and rammed it down his throat. It is FACT! Young men, who are not as educated as they should be on gay issues, DO feel uncomfortable. Aker's point was that they shouldn't, but they will continue to be for some time yet as the education and tolerance levels are not where they should be. At no point in the entire article did he ever say that the current level of tolerance (or lack thereof) in the AFL was suitable or acceptable, and he goes on to say he hopes they rectify it soon. So that a gay player CAN shower naked with his teammates without it causing the fuss it would now.

I'm a bloke. Still a fairly young one (I'm only 27). I remember the first time I got invited to a gay club (ARQ I think it was) in Oxford Street in Sydney, I didn't know how to act, what to do, what to say. I wasn't myself at all really. I wore a Cradle Of Filth shirt and torn jeans, and would've screamed “Scared-stiff-hetero” to every bloke in there. I just didn't know, I wasn't used to that environment and it was all very new to me, and yes, I was homophobic. It took some time, and getting to know gay and lesbian men and women better, to correct my attitude towards it. Now, I would have no problem standing naked next to a gay man.

I think this is what Aker is trying to achieve. He acknowledges it's wrong, and wants something done about it so the AFL can get to that place it needs to be. He doesn't want PR-friendly media statements that are all warm and fuzzy with no substance, he wants solid foundations laid at club level.

[LostDoggy]

Coming out is not hell, it's being honest to oneself and teammates

Ian Roberts - The Age - 21 May

WHAT was Jason Akermanis thinking? The thing that frustrates me about his comments regarding gays is what he says is of no benefit to anyone. His opinion - on something he knows nothing about - is a waste of time.

I don't know what motivated him to say what he said. Maybe he is just plain stupid, or perhaps he was just making a grab at some more notoriety for himself. He's coming up to retirement, he's got a regular gig on radio, so he may just be looking at getting more gigs for the future.

Article in full... (http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/coming-out-is-not-hell-its-being-honest-to-oneself-and-teammates-20100520-vou2.html)


Even if any of them did think the same, they would surely realise it would be the wrong thing to say, and keep quiet. Akermanis should have realised that.

This line in the article sums it all up. Akermanis is not saying the “right” or “wrong” thing. He's speaking the truth (and condemning that truth). He should be commended on having the courage to stand up and say, “Hang on, no matter what you say we should say or think, we don't, and we need to change that.”

[Mofra]

Sure he was married, but what politian resigns for infidelity? Gay ones, apparently.


He campaigned on a platform of family values - if he was busted with a woman prostitiute, I'm sure the end result would be the same.
Bingo - he's the closest thing we have in Australia to a Ted Haggard-type figure.

I doubt it's homosexuality or infidelity that forced him to resign - I'd guess gross hypocracy.

[Raw Toast]

I'm sorry, but this is just wrong. Aker is not to be condemned for talking about being uncomfortable in the shower — I'll explain why I think that: He went on to say he wishes he'd have addressed it differently, sat down with the guy and tried to understand. Unfortunately, politically-correct media hounds have jumped on this classic quote of “homophobia” and rammed it down his throat. It is FACT! Young men, who are not as educated as they should be on gay issues, DO feel uncomfortable. Aker's point was that they shouldn't, but they will continue to be for some time yet as the education and tolerance levels are not where they should be. At no point in the entire article did he ever say that the current level of tolerance (or lack thereof) in the AFL was suitable or acceptable, and he goes on to say he hopes they rectify it soon. So that a gay player CAN shower naked with his teammates without it causing the fuss it would now.

I'm a bloke. Still a fairly young one (I'm only 27). I remember the first time I got invited to a gay club (ARQ I think it was) in Oxford Street in Sydney, I didn't know how to act, what to do, what to say. I wasn't myself at all really. I wore a Cradle Of Filth shirt and torn jeans, and would've screamed “Scared-stiff-hetero” to every bloke in there. I just didn't know, I wasn't used to that environment and it was all very new to me, and yes, I was homophobic. It took some time, and getting to know gay and lesbian men and women better, to correct my attitude towards it. Now, I would have no problem standing naked next to a gay man.

I think this is what Aker is trying to achieve. He acknowledges it's wrong, and wants something done about it so the AFL can get to that place it needs to be. He doesn't want PR-friendly media statements that are all warm and fuzzy with no substance, he wants solid foundations laid at club level.

I generally think Aker's heart is in the right place (on this and other issues), but he clearly says that part of the reason someone should NOT come out in AFL is because it will threaten the fabric of their club and and in his article and subsequent interviews strongly implied that AFL dressing rooms were not suitable for same-sex attracted men because of the nakedness and physical bonding (but-slapping and the like) that occurs within them.

I think you're right re the focus on education (which the Come Out to Play Report says is essential), and Aker's comments about doing things differently if he had his time again are grand. As you note attitudes can change, and I agree that it's generally personal experience which changes them rather than condemning things. Nevertheless, Aker has an incredible public platform and I think behaved irresponsibly in saying that people should not come out because of the discomfort it will cause others.

I think he was trying to make the case which the AFL Players Association Welfare office Pippa Grange made much better a week or so ago (http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/afl-welcome-is-not-about-coming-out-20100516-v6b1.html), that being the first player to come out will be hard. But the fact that he put into print some homophobic arguments is deeply regrettable and links into one of the main reasons so many same-sex people (particularly men) exclude themselves from sport when they would like to participate and reap the benefits that so many others do.

[The Coon Dog]

I must say, I've enjoyed reading the posts here on WOOF about this issue.

Everyone with a point of view has put if forward in well thought out & reasoned manner.

Kudos to those involved.

[Doc26]

I do wish all 'outed' Bulldog supporters would be briefed in Aker's topic of the week so we have some time to pull together a considered response for work colleagues wishing to vent each week. Being the only Dogs fan amongst a few hundred I have become the short straw for their vitriol and as such have become an apologist and defamation lawyer in one for him since he hit the Bulldog scene. As one of his pro bono defence lawyer's I'm now considering invoicing him.

[LongWait]

I hope that Aker reads Ian Robert's article and B-RadBulldogs posts and realises that his recent attempt to profit at the expense of others has won him no friends.

In his article Aker disrespects other Bulldog and AFL players, implying they are not mature enough to embrace, and indeed welcome, an inclusive and supportive culture and workplace where sexual orientation is irrelevant. Past biases about player ethnicity, religion and political affiliations have largely been overcome and the game is better for it.

I love Aker as a footballer but I am very, very disappointed in his article. I can't find any way at all to defend him.

[mighty_west]

I think the main issue here, is the one that is the main talking point, the subject itself, after thinking about it, i actually think it's cleared a way for a player or players to "come out", and perhaps shifted whatever pressures on himself, i may be wrong, but i think he has almost taken a bullet here.

Imagine the absolute storm over the media without this article, just BAM, out of the blue, and the shock of it all.

In this day & age, regarding the clubs themselves, i don't think it would cause too much fuss, some players might be a bit iffy at the start, but i'd imagine it would be a different story at lower levels, where you get more redneck/bogan types, and i think it would be more of an issue outside of the clubs, supporters over the fence etc etc.

Unfortunatly alot of people are homophobic, just cannot accept it, i know first hand from a family member on my GF's side, she is gay, and half of her own family won't accpet her, and she is blood, i remember years ago working at a community radio station, and one of my mates [still is a good friend] "came out", he was shocked on how quick we accepted him for who he was, he was and still is the same guy as before he let us all know.

[LostDoggy]

Agree with TCD, some very good points and opinions here.

In this day and age there are so many sexual variants to the accepted 'norm' that they all need to be accepted. The problem is that same are still seen as disgusting (major age differences) and are nowhere near treated with as much respect as same sex gets these days. Imagine a 19yo drafted kid coming into the club, and being in a relationship with a 40yo. The club/media riddicule would be huge.

Anyway, too much ranting on my behalf, and if too much debate follows, I (or a mod) can edit out the paragraph.

[bornadog]

I hope that Aker reads Ian Robert's article and B-RadBulldogs posts and realises that his recent attempt to profit at the expense of others has won him no friends.

In his article Aker disrespects other Bulldog and AFL players, implying they are not mature enough to embrace, and indeed welcome, an inclusive and supportive culture and workplace where sexual orientation is irrelevant. Past biases about player ethnicity, religion and political affiliations have largely been overcome and the game is better for it.

I love Aker as a footballer but I am very, very disappointed in his article. I can't find any way at all to defend him.

Think about it this way, ask yourself, why haven't any players come out in public to say they are gay? Is it homophobia? Are they scared of what their fellow teams mates, fans etc will think? there must be a reason.

[LostDoggy]

What I really don't understand is Aker has written an extremely similar column like this a few years back, including his story about playing in the 2's at Mayne.
He knows this is an extremely thin line to walk on, so why did he risk it AGAIN!? It wasn't very necessary IMO.

Who amongst us can comprehend the Mysterious Mind Of Aker?! I'm hoping First Dog On The Moon is busily scratching away at a pictorial explanation. Then we might be able to say that sanity has prevailed.

[w3design]

A kind explanation is that this was clumsy. But I totally agree with many of the thoughtful contributions here condemning this article. There is too much at stake for some of the young people who are struggling to come to terms with a world where they know many are suspicious and fearful of them.

Given the extreme sensitivity of this issue I am really disappointed that this article was not carefully vetted by the club. The topic could still have been covered, and I don't have a problem with Aker's personal view about it being unnecessary for a player to come out, but in a very confused line of argument, it just wasn't clear why. Too much pressure on the individual? Nobody's business? these are fair enough, but then cringe-worthy lines like 'could break the fabric of the club'. There was far too much emphasis on the discomfort in the shower thing too which seemed to show that deep down, it's about a very silly and immature idea that every gay guy is eyeing every bloke off and ready to hit on them at every moment.

Thank you to B-rad Bulldog for his honesty too. I have a beautiful gay son who has been through a lot in being brave enough to come out, and feel very sad that our club is caught up in this messy business. I hope some lessons have been learnt by everyone, and would love to see one of our team speaking out to firmly refute aker's views.

[Mantis]

Then this:

Jason Akermanis furore ups pressure on Bulldogs - Brad Scott (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jason-akermanis-furore-ups-pressure-on-bulldogs-brad-scott/story-e6frf9jf-1225869749589)

[The Pie Man]

Then this:

Jason Akermanis furore ups pressure on Bulldogs - Brad Scott (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jason-akermanis-furore-ups-pressure-on-bulldogs-brad-scott/story-e6frf9jf-1225869749589)

He probably has a point - but when Voss tried to imply the pressure was all on us in last year's semi, we smashed them and Eade came out after the game saying he knew we had them beat during the week when Voss tried it on.

Still, will be interesting to see how we come out tomorrow

[chef]

Then this:

Jason Akermanis furore ups pressure on Bulldogs - Brad Scott (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jason-akermanis-furore-ups-pressure-on-bulldogs-brad-scott/story-e6frf9jf-1225869749589)

How does what Aker said yesterday put pressure on the team for tomorrows game? I don't understand:confused: It will put the spotlight on Aker, but he's showed time and time again he can handle the heat. It's not like he was bagging the Kangas.

[Ghost Dog]

Let's smash North Melbourne and put it all to rest. Aker expresses himself in a way that is easy for people to take out of context. I actually think he is wrong after reading many of the posts here. Look at the drug takers that are welcomed back into the fold. If a Gay player kicked goals nobody is going to complain. Sure, they outed player will cop heaps, but people will get used to it.

If Gary Ablett was gay, would you care, as long as he picked up 30 plus possessions a week?

[Remi Moses]

Yeah feeling thefurore all the way over here in Thailand(holidaying with family)Really what much ado about nothing I mean does anyone think that a player outing himself is not going to face Ridicule is living in one diluded existance.BTW Scott and his fellow thug twin hate Akermanis I vividly recall him or his brother publicly stating on a news service before we played them in 2007 hoping The Lion players give him one and he leaves the field in pain:rolleyes: Real charmers those two

[Ghost Dog]

[QUOTE=BornABulldog;153783]I think someone will one day have the guts to stand up and say, “I'm gay, and I couldn't give two shits about what you think of it.” and then have the courage to see it out. Nicky Winmar…


Actually, I read that Nicky Winmar was actually trying to say to the crowd " I have guts" when he pointed to his guts in the famous photo. It was the media that turned it into a racial thing.

I love Acker, and while I disagree with his opinion in this case ( Most footballers are able to switch off as they are so professional now ) I like the way he says what he thinks and could not care less. Actually, this week I hope he has a blinder

[Raw Toast]

Actually, I read that Nicky Winmar was actually trying to say to the crowd " I have guts" when he pointed to his guts in the famous photo. It was the media that turned it into a racial thing.

A colleague and I interviewed the two photographers who took the picture (one of whom was close enough to hear what Winmar was saying) and we wrote a piece on the history of this image and the debates it inspired - suffice to say it's pretty clear now that he said something along the lines of, "I'm black and I'm proud of it" (this is Winmar's recollection of it as well)...

bwt I hope Aker has a blinder as well - Scott's trying to stir the pot and I hope it backfires.

[Stefcep]

Issue re-visited on Before The Game. I thought the female host's head was about to blow up. Clearly she didn't "get" that Aker was simply telling it as it currently is: an openly gay AFL player would face enormous challenges that would probably affect his football, many of his team mates and the club as a whole with the media and public attention that it would generate. Whether thats "right' or "wrong" is a different matter, Aker's saying it just "is".

IMO, why does any homosexual have to, in fact, "come out"? Why does their have to be some formal public anouncement about this? Is this some sort rite of passage, like getting baptised? Or, as I believe, is it more about trying to shock the conservative wider community? I'm heterosexual, I've never gone out of my way to make some sort of formal anouncement about this, and I don't know anyone else who has. I would have thought that not being treated as different is what the gay movement was all about, so why make a "fuss"about it? For me its( the whole palava of "coming out") is getting quite, frankly, boring.

[mjp]

Actually, I read that Nicky Winmar was actually trying to say to the crowd " I have guts" when he pointed to his guts in the famous photo. It was the media that turned it into a racial thing.


Nope. It was his pride in being aboriginal. He has spoken about this a few times over the years.

[Murphy'sLore]

I thought the female host's head was about to blow up.

Her name is Sam Lane.


I'm heterosexual, I've never gone out of my way to make some sort of formal anouncement about this, and I don't know anyone else who has.

The reason that, as a heterosexual, you've never had to make a formal announcement of your sexual preference is that our society assumes that everyone is straight unless informed otherwise. Some people choose to keep their preferences private; others are uncomfortable with this and feel that they are forced to pretend that they are someone they are not. "Coming out" is not compulsory, but for many gay people it is an important and significant rite of passage - and sometimes a relief.

[Bulldog4life]

Given the extreme sensitivity of this issue I am really disappointed that this article was not carefully vetted by the club. The topic could still have been covered, and I don't have a problem with Aker's personal view about it being unnecessary for a player to come out, but in a very confused line of argument, it just wasn't clear why. Too much pressure on the individual? Nobody's business? these are fair enough, but then cringe-worthy lines like 'could break the fabric of the club'.
.

These were not Aker's words but were added to the article by the Herald Sun after the Club had vetted the article and Aker signed off on it.

[LostDoggy]

Ok, now I may be outing myself a tiny little bit here..
But i myself am a homesexual, and do indeed play footy.
My teammates have nothing against it, and don't treat me any differently, or expect me to act any differently.
In-fact, they have nothing against me, and support me in every way possible, just like on the footy field.
I have to disagree with Aker on this occasion and say that if a gay AFL player wants to come out of the closet, just let them! It's their own choice, and they shouldnt be discriminated against..

My congratulations on your courage and honesty on this forum B-Rad and it seems to have worked out for you ref. your teamates :D