Posted on Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 12:11 p.m.
Jim Tressel says he would embrace openly gay player at Ohio State
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Ohio State's Jim Tressel claps as his team comes onto the field against Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, November 17, 2007.
Ann Arbor News file photo
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel recently did an interview with Outlook Columbus, a magazine that serves the city's gay community.
Michael David Smith at Fanhouse.com carries links to the interview, during which Tressel said: "We try to tell our guys that an authentic you is the best you. That's truly what freedom means, and the beauty of living in America. People can live their beliefs."
Dan Wetzel at Yahoo has a follow-up column, in which he calls Tressel's inclusive stance on gay athletes as significant step forward for sports in general and football in particular.
Comments
myers
Mon, Mar 22, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.
Well it's a nice gesture but not that big of a leap....he already has 86 or so closeted players on his roster....shower time i partytime at the Ohio State university. Here's to hoping noone drops the soap.
OSUbeBetter
Fri, Mar 19, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.
Check out Coach tress, hes got his wide receiver gloves on, just in case. @Wolverine3660, i dont think all gays are "Swishy". im sure there are some of them fellers out there that can bring it. but on the other hand can you imagine trying to hunt down and tackle a "Swishy" tail back? a first and second down back with moves like michael jackson?
clarklaker
Fri, Mar 19, 2010 : 4:25 a.m.
cuming out party for the sweater vest
Wolverine3660
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 3:42 p.m.
Coach Tressel is correct. But, will he ever be able to find a swishy, gay player who will be tough enough to play at the level that OSU's team plays at? :)
buzz
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.
I respect JT, even thou im a die hard UM fan and an OSU hater. He is a very classy guy. RR is a classy guy its jus that he is prob stressed out on many things.
BlueInBama
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
Not only would he embrace an openly gay player, but I'm sure Tressel would give him a complimentary sweater vest.
inrodwetrust
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.
A good coach, a great mentor but just all in all a good person. JT is classy all the way around. Wish he coached for our team.