John Amaechi is a former
NBA player. And, if you haven't been following the news, he's
announced to the world that he's a homosexual man, and he was homosexual when he was in the NBA. He's been
hailed as 'courageous' (by some surprising people) and his critics have been decried by the print and television media writers. Why?
To start with, he's a homosexual. That is, he has sex with other men. Why did any of us
need to know this in the first place? I certainly don't. He's been out of the NBA for some time, so it can't relate to basketball directly. Certainly, his mediocre NBA career doesn't merit Hall of Fame consideration, so it won't affect that selection process.
Secondly, why do the writers instantly defend him for this admission? To me, he's been duplicitous during the time leading up to this announcement. He's been lying by omission.
Finally, it seems self-serving. He's written a book and he's involved with various business ventures that should benefit from the temporary celebrity that he's gained from this
inflammatory admission. I say that he's using his homosexuality for shock value for gain, not for any higher purpose.
Next, about
Tim Hardaway. Again, if you've been under a rock, Mr.
Hardaway, who
is a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate claimed during an
interview with Dan
LeBatard that he 'hates gay people' and that he would 'not want a gay teammate'.
In my view, Tim
Hardaway is the courageous one, not John
Amaechi. Let me explain.
Tim
Hardaway, although in a crude way, told the truth, the absolute truth.
John
Amaechi lied. For years.
Tim
Hardaway stood up for his beliefs even
though it cost him plenty.
John
Amaechi stood up for his beliefs
only when it benefited him.
Tim
Hardaway had plenty to lose.
John
Amaechi had nothing to lose.
John
Amaechi, you've solidified your place in history now. You've admitted that you have sex with men. Wow. Boy, that really makes a HUGE difference.
NOT.
