With all of the recent speculation on when a gay
athlete will come out, and if they will be an all-star, Nike recently released
that they would be willing to sponsor the athlete fully and embrace them.
This is a very interesting tactic by Nike, who has usually stayed neutral
on subjects such as Tiger Woods. The news comes from Rick Welts, who is
currently the president of the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. He came out as
being a homosexual man while he was with the Phoenix Suns organization. Welts
said in the article, “The player who does it, they’re going to be amazed
at the additional opportunities." Now Nike is not just doing this
without the potential benefit for them. Bob Witeck, who is a
gay-marketing strategist, suggests the economic impact of the homosexual
athlete. He says that with the desire to have the athlete talk at
companies and organizations around the country, as well as various endorsements
with various companies that the first gay athlete could potentially see a
buying power of $800 BILLION. So for Nike to want to hop on makes sense
for them financially because of the return on investment that they would get
from this.
Also, we heard from Mark Cuban on this issue. He said that we would
welcome an openly gay athlete on his team, saying that athletes today are
"too enlightened for it to create an issue in the locker room."
Although I like the fact that Mr. Cuban would be receptive of the gay
athlete on his team, I begin to wonder how much of this is based on his desire
to capitalize on the financial impact of this such as his statements with
Britteny Griner. However, it is amazing to see the people from all
aspects of sports that are saying that it is time for the sport world to have
a prominent gay athlete while they are playing. Hopefully its
something that we see soon, it is a good thing for sports I think and it could
reflect well in society. I just hope that other people are not so closed
minded such as Tim Hardaway when the athlete comes out. Besides, whose business
is it anyway if the athlete is gay, bi-sexual, or transgender? If they
can play and help me win, I want them on my team.
All information taken from this article http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-11/gay-pro-athletes-get-backing-from-nike-to-nhl-as-sponsors-await.html
I agree with you and I think we need someone in athletes to come out and say that he is homosexual. I think that this would help open everyone's eyes and see that even though he is homosexual he can still be good at sports and is the same as everyone else. If he ends up doing well in his sport that would open up for everyone else that wants to live their life's like they want to and not worry about what other people think about them while they are playing.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Shay
I agree with you completely with that fact that people in society are now more than ever, accepting of an individuals personal identity. There are many committees and movements that athletes are involved in pushing for homosexuals to be treated fairly just like everyone else. I think the progress of this movement is moving rapidly and just like the civil rights movement 50 plus ago, years from now homosexual athletes will not be a issue with sports. Like we talked about in class, there will always be those few players that are not accepting of a gay athlete in the locker room, but I feel over time that issue will no longer exist within a locker room. It is interesting that Nike has taken a stand on this movement, which is exactly what is needed to make this topic more accepting amongst society.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Tacey
I agree with you completely in this blog. I was unaware that Nike was doing this but I think it is a good idea for many reasons. Society is different today and for Nike to be accepting of people from all walks of life shows a lot of cause marketing and PR. I was very surprised that Mark Cuban would be accepting of a gay player. he seems like the guy that would be against this. This just goes to show how accepting people are these days. I think it a change for the better and I hope to see an athlete come out of the closet and see what turns out of it. Im hoping it turns out well.
ReplyDelete^Tad Margolies
ReplyDeleteZane,
ReplyDeleteI agree with when you said if the gay athlete can help your team win then you want him on your team. I feel the exact same way as you. On the other hand, I do not agree with Mark Cuban when he said that he thinks having a gay athlete in the locker room would be okay with athletes in todays society. I think that some athletes out there today would still have a problem showering with gay athletes. Also, I am glad that Nike spoke out on this issue. I think that Nike has enough power and influence to change some of people's negative opinions on the issue.
-Logan Walker
Zane,
ReplyDeleteI think that Nike supporting a gay athlete could be very beneficial with helping a gay athlete come out. Nike has a lot of power in the sports world and for them to support the athlete could help change people's minds and make them make accepting. I hope that Nike has good intentions on this issue and is not just looking to capitalize on the issue. Mr. Cuban may be very open to the idea of having a gay athlete on his team, but I still think there are a lot of athletes who would have issues with it.
Erin Scott
Zane,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your overall point that no matter what an athlete's sexuality is, if they can play I would want them on my team as well. Nike is making a great move morally and financially by being willing to stand by an openly gay athlete. This would definitely reflect well in society and could possibly set a positive standard that could lead the country away from homosexuality and homophobia. As far as Mark Cuban goes, I definitely suspect as you do that he may be just trying to cash in on a personal note simply based on his personal history and his motives. Nevertheless, it is good to see him stand up on the issue as well, since he does have undeniable financial power when it comes down to it. The general feeling across sports does seem to be welcoming of the potential for an athlete to finally come out while they are still active, as you said. The hope is that a few people who feel differently do not stop the overall progress that is being made towards this happening.
-C.J. Gilvens
Zane,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points made in this post. I think it is a great idea for Nike to take the first step forward and saw they would sponsor a Gay athlete. I think in doing this it will help gay athletes take the next step forward and come out. Nike is the powerhouse of all brands and with their support this would help generate the next movement. Also, with Mark Cuban coming out and stating that he would fully support a gay athlete on his team is great as well. This would also show athletes that they have support. With people in high power coming out and saying they will support gay athletes I believe this will make it easier for athletes to take this next step.
- John Ruppert