Diversity in Sport

Sport has come a long way in the field of diversity over the past 50 years.  Athletes are no longer judged on race as they used to be.  However, is the problem solved?  Absolutely not.

Although all races of athletes are now accepted in professional sport, not everything else is.  Coaches, staff, and front office positions are highly dominated by white men, which discriminates against both minorities and women.  Players are still judged based on sexual orientation, which is very apparent with Jason Collins coming out this past week and being the first active professional athlete to do so.  If a woman wants a job in sport, she might as well not look past the WNBA, MLS, or NBA.  Trying to get anything aside from an entry level job from the NHL, NFL, or MLB is highly unlikely.

While the diversity issue in sport is improving, it has much room to grow.  Initiatives like the Rooney Rule are showing effort, but more needs done.

Jason Collins

This week Jason Collins made history by being the first active player in an American professional sport to come out as gay to the public.  As an NBA player, it was both bold and inspiring that he came out while still playing in the league.  This story seemed even bigger to me after being in Diversity Issues and going to the Tackling Homophobia presentation by Esera Tuaolo.  I have seen via Twitter many people supporting and thanking Collins for what he did.  I hope this continues to be the reaction and that the public, NBA, and his teammates support him rather than discriminate again him.  I also hope to see more players comfortable enough to come out in the NBA and other leagues.  These athletes, being role models, have the opportunity to positively benefit our youth and culture, and it is my hope that they take this opportunity to do just that.