If the answer before was, "My mom works for my dad." and an answer before that was, "My dad was a pimp." I don't know the world of pimps to know if they have accountants or secretaries.
Appropriate follow up question: "In what capacity?" Inappropriate follow up question: "Is your mother a prostitute?" I know you guys have your opinion and I respect that. But in the non-Dolphin fan world and history, it will always be remembered as an inappropriate question and epic, although somewhat comical screw up. No amount of defense by the Miami fanbase will ever change that.
I don't know how someone could be the age of Jeff Ireland and not have learned a little more about tact. The first question is the obvious follow-up. So he either didn't know better [surprising] or thought so little of the person he was interviewing that he didn't give a damn. Which one it was is something we probably can't know without knowing him personally.
I think Dez Bryant is beyond the point of beating around the bush? This isn't an anonymous tip Jeff Ireland is asking about: The fact that there was a rumor that spread throughout the entire NFL about such a subject should be alarming enough. Its obvious Dez Bryant has severe psychological and emotional issues. Those issues make him a danger to himself and those around him. How exactly is Jeff Ireland's question worthy of a story?
Neither you, nor any other defender of the question has provided any argument against the slew of other more appropriate questions Ireland could have asked. Without "beating around the bush". If you want to call it a forgivable mistake to ask a player if his mom was a prostitute, I guess you can make an argument for that. But to continue to defend it? Well, there are plenty of ways people choose to waste their time. Like I said no amount of defense or arguments will change how the action is viewed in the NFL history books. Speaking of wasting our time, we've both once again wasted plenty of time debating 2 year old beliefs and opinions. But it's always fun.
If it was Rex Ryan I would have the same opinion. Just because history will remember it wrongly doesn't make it right. Plus it is a sad defense using the, "Miami fanbase," as if I am unable to come to a reasonable conclusion because my fandom is blinding me. In the Non-Dolphin fan world and history it will be forgotten. To the people who aren't sheep and actually learn the context of the question, they will think that it was not the best question to ask, however it was reasonable. If Dez REALLY didn't want people to think his mother was a prostitute, he would actually mention what exactly she does for his father. Mostly because the definition of pimp is a guy who has prostitutes working for him.
I dont think it is reprehensible at all to consider someones sexual orientation when you are interviewing them for THIS particular type of job due to the unique situation it creates with a lockerroom, showers, etc. In my personal opinion, I think it would be absolutely reprehensible to not draft or sign someone b/c of it... but I think it absolutely deserves consideration in terms of planning on how to handle it, and making sure that both the gay player and the team are protected and comfortable with it. Does that include seperate showers and changing area? Possibly... I dont know what the best way to handle that would be. However, just burying your head in the sand as an organization and pretending the issue doesnt exist by not affording the player those types of considerations leads to the continuation of the anti-gay culture that is deep within the league... as well as force players to feel they need to stay in the closet for fear of how they would be accepted and treated by not only the players, but the teams as well. Would he be protected from possible bullying in the lockerroom? Would teams avoid picking them up if it were known they were gay to just avoid the situation? Can you blame them for not coming out? Also, if it became public to everyone... you have to also consider the insane media frenzy that would reign down on the team and organization, possibly mid-season. You have to be properly prepared for how you are going to handle that as well. Theres a ton of things to consider... and its important to do so for all parties involved IMO.
I wish we were talking about a better football player. I remember Jerry Smith was a gay dude as a Redskins player in the 70's. He was a good tight end. No joke.
Did exactly the same thing. My 1st thought was which GM would be arrogant and dumb enough to do something so stupid......Jeff Ireland was the only one I could imagine it being.
How does this question imply that someone is going to discriminate. Why don't we just let gay men use the womens locker room?? WTF I wouldn't want some dude staring at my log and fantasizing about me. What happened to my rights. Or do they get thrown out the window because people want to appease others for the sake of being politically correct
And yet Bryant proved that tough questions were needed of him. Including issues with his mother. Also Volin confirmed that SI story in a story he did last year. http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thed...-continues-to-justify-jeff-irelands-question/
the term "Log In" was coined as a result of this right here. Believe me, it's a sight to behold On a serious note, how does this differ from......wait for it........ you being in the ladies locker room?
sorry, I came late to this one. If I am repeating, sorry. Bill of rights? You are not serious. Why have separation of men and women if anyone can gawk at me or you or anyone else they choose to. So next if I choose to shave my chest and back I can use the ladies locker room? I know there are a few on here who would be crazy enough to try it so I shouldn't suggest it, but in all seriousness,are you suggesting my or anyone else who is straight's rights go in the toilet
Serious note indeed. If its no different, then its no different if a women makes a move on you or if a guy makes a move on you...right?
Why is it you think that is what is going to happen ? It's that kind of attitude that prevents our society getting beyond this asinine problem. Why is it that people that that a gay man would be drooling over another man in the shower at his workplace ? Can't you give gay men enough credit to think they can act like professionals ? My brother played football, baseball and wrestled in high school & college. He came out as gay soon after his graduating from graduate school. He said it was horrible to hear the taunting that some kids took in school after they had come out and said that he was extra careful to not look at anyone specifically because he didn't want to be out-ed while he was still playing sports. He knew that no matter what those kids went through that weren't athletic, he would get double that from any team mates that found out. And if you think that all the guys playing in the NFL are all straight, I have some swamp land in Brooklyn and a Bridge in the Everglades to sell you. Statistical averages say at least 168 of them are gay, and probably more.
Really? Have you never had a gym membership? I'm willing to bet if you have there's probably been many gay people working out, showering and getting dressed around you without you even knowing it. You seem to have this seriously misguided concept that allowing a gay guy in a locker room means little more than towel snapping and package grabbing. The protestation of your rights being violated is laughable, and in effect you're just being highly prejudicial and paranoid. Exactly what "right" would a gay man be infringing upon? Are you really naive enough to think a gay man in a locker room is automatically sexual harassment waiting to happen? Somehow I'd almost think you wouldn't want blacks in the locker room either for the fear of your wallet being stolen. And not that it really matters, but if you're curious, I'm happily married with a young son. And I'm comfortable enough to not feel threatened if there's a gay man in the same locker room.
You think you're just so darned hot that any gay man is going to find you desirable? You are apparently a straight man. Do you find all women sexually desirable? IMO, the men who are insecure about being in a locker room with a gay man are insecure about their own sexuality.
In all seriousness, I have no problem with gays in the locker room. I have friends that are and they haven't hit on me because they are not animals that will chase any guy in the locker room like some seem to think.
Love how that should matter to anyone ever. Who cares what a bunch of people, without my input or yours, made illegal. It doesn't make a question bad or wrong.
Wait so it's unacceptable for them to base their decision on whether a man is gay or not but you can totally understand if they would and ever go as far as to say they should just o make sure they rae aware of the risks of such an event?
I think we have a potential bear here, not a twink. Lube up everyone. Clearly, CLEARLY, NFL lockerrooms are well one their way to this [video=youtube_share;0lxGkPt0OSM]http://youtu.be/0lxGkPt0OSM[/video]
I am relatively sure sexual preference is not protected in all aspects of hiring. Gender, race, age are covered. But not sexual preference. This is why there continues to be a fight on Capital Hill for gay and lesbian rights, equal protection. I agree CK that the questions are inappropriate. But not necessarily protected under the law. I am aware of policies in the military now. But this is not equally expected as far as I know in all aspects of hiring and acknowledgment once hired.
Age is not a fundamental right nor is it a suspect class. Hell, nor was gender. But you can be damn sure you're not allowed to discriminate against hiring someone simply because they are gay/lesbian. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspect_classification More education is good!
Maybe it is left up to the states. In Mississippi, religion, gender and age are covered. And sexual preference is not. It is all one big slippery slop there. I generally do not allow any of those factors to influence me in hiring. I have had applicants tell me they were gay, probably looking for me to regroup. It doesn't bother me if you are older, younger, gay, straight, or what religion you practice as long as you are qualified to do the job. Now if I am working for a conservative Christian College, there are specific standards that would most definitely influence who I could hire. But would I be naive to believe folks hiring are not looking for a specific profile? And have determined a way to do it without being obvious?
As long as there are no objections to straight males insisting on equal treatment by being permited to share the showers with women I see no problem.