"I hope the day comes, and soon, when this is not a story." - Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke
Unfortunately however, it still is a story, but thanks to the bold and courageous step forward made by Brendan Burke, son of Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke, others facing similarly difficult choices can follow his lead. Yesterday afternoon ESPN published a story by staff columnist John Buccigross about Brendan and how he came to tell his family that he was gay. His story bears resemblance to many 'coming out' stories in which he feared losing his family's love and acceptance once he revealed to them his secret.
What makes Brendan Burke's story particularly important however, is that no male professional athlete has ever been openly gay during his playing career. And while Brendan never made it as a professional, he is
the Student Manager for the hockey program at Miami University in Ohio and his father Brian is Czar of the highest profile NHL team on the planet. Compounding that, his dad is known to be a proponent of fisticuffs and in-your-face blood 'n' guts hockey - a hyper 'masculine' brand of the game that has typically incurred homophobia, which has driven many gay men from the sport. But Brian says "I had a million good reasons to love and admire Brendan. This news didn't alter any of them." To hear that kind of sincerity in conjunction with any father-son story is heartwarming, but to hear it shouted from the mountaintops at Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, purveyors of an NHL culture that has typically frowned upon homosexuality within its closest circles shows real character and integrity.
When interviewed together on TSN tonight, Brian was asked if Brendan's decision to come forward will help other openly gay athletes and sports employees find employment in the NHL. Burke maintained that while he could not speak for other organizations, he said the Toronto Maple Leafs would always make room for talented employees, regardless of sexual orientation. It is great to know that while the Leafs may not have won the Stanley Cup since 1967, at least they are leading the charge for moral victories.
If anybody thought they recognized Brian and Brendan Burke during last year's Gay Pride Week festivities, they were not mistaken. The Burke tandem was there arm and arm, supporting the cause.
Defender Telegraph, page 6, No. 001
Unfortunately however, it still is a story, but thanks to the bold and courageous step forward made by Brendan Burke, son of Toronto Maple Leafs President and General Manager Brian Burke, others facing similarly difficult choices can follow his lead. Yesterday afternoon ESPN published a story by staff columnist John Buccigross about Brendan and how he came to tell his family that he was gay. His story bears resemblance to many 'coming out' stories in which he feared losing his family's love and acceptance once he revealed to them his secret.
What makes Brendan Burke's story particularly important however, is that no male professional athlete has ever been openly gay during his playing career. And while Brendan never made it as a professional, he is
the Student Manager for the hockey program at Miami University in Ohio and his father Brian is Czar of the highest profile NHL team on the planet. Compounding that, his dad is known to be a proponent of fisticuffs and in-your-face blood 'n' guts hockey - a hyper 'masculine' brand of the game that has typically incurred homophobia, which has driven many gay men from the sport. But Brian says "I had a million good reasons to love and admire Brendan. This news didn't alter any of them." To hear that kind of sincerity in conjunction with any father-son story is heartwarming, but to hear it shouted from the mountaintops at Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, purveyors of an NHL culture that has typically frowned upon homosexuality within its closest circles shows real character and integrity.
When interviewed together on TSN tonight, Brian was asked if Brendan's decision to come forward will help other openly gay athletes and sports employees find employment in the NHL. Burke maintained that while he could not speak for other organizations, he said the Toronto Maple Leafs would always make room for talented employees, regardless of sexual orientation. It is great to know that while the Leafs may not have won the Stanley Cup since 1967, at least they are leading the charge for moral victories.
If anybody thought they recognized Brian and Brendan Burke during last year's Gay Pride Week festivities, they were not mistaken. The Burke tandem was there arm and arm, supporting the cause.
Defender Telegraph, page 6, No. 001
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