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And now, while Amaechi's coming out might have been conveniently swept under the uncomfortable rug by the big broom of our dominant "don't ask, don't tell" ideology, now it's News with a big N. But where Amaechi tells ESPN radio's Mike and Mike, "This is what makes the lives of gay and lesbian young people in schools miserable," Le Batard's follow-up: ""It is ridiculous…but it is honest…and better than any of the fuzzy language other people have used so far," may have further-reaching effects. As Amaechi notes, "These are the comments that…allow some of the tragic incidents of homophobia." He should also consider the fortuitousness of Hardaway's defamation. Fuzzy language has never solved our society's problems. Flash dancing around crucial issues concerning human rights, discriminatory behavior and ignorant labeling will only add dust to hide the rug that covers the box that sometimes needs the negligent stupidity of a crow bar. Comments don't create atmosphere, they open up what the German philosopher, Jurgen Habermas calls, the public sphere – a way or a place were people can talk across differences in an effort of come to some understanding. The atmosphere is just the fog being blown away by discussion. Hardaway is allowed his say as written by the Founding Fathers. And he will suffer the consequences as allowed by a content-hungry media loaded with quick-thinking sport hacks ready to prey on those-that-would-slip. While the checks and balances aren't perfect, Timmy's rant got us talking about things that most in the professional sport arena find uncomfortable. NBA commissioner David Stern's swift response and disassociation with Hardaway is commendable. "This is a country that needs to talk about this issue," Stern said, "And, not surprisingly, they use sports as a catalyst to begin the dialogue." Okay, but the scene was made-to-order for Stern. Had he started the dialogue months or years ago he could claim leadership not just reaction. We've all spoken before we've thought issues through. We've all recoiled in horror as soon as the words have left our lips. The difference is in how we deal with the voicing of our opinions and their effect on those who would suffer for them. Hardaway has apologized. "Yes, I regret it. I'm sorry," he recanted, "I shouldn't have said I hate gay people or anything like that. That was my mistake." But Timmy, why try and persuade us that you really know what it's like by saying, "As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings that hatred and bigotry cause," because if you really did, why would you hate those who don't categorically hate you? Why, Timmy? Why would you hate someone for personal choice if you know the feeling of being hated for color of skin? Scott Tinley, a two-time World Triathlon Champion, teaches "Sport and Society" at San Diego State University's Sport Business Management MBA Program. He lives and writes near San Diego, California. He can be reached at
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