Rose quickly took to Twitter to give the middle finger to everyone who might have not liked his racial and homophobic comments:

Notice the all-caps YOU – making it crystal clear he’s not apologizing to anyone else. He gave a half-hearted “apology” on air after he got caught in a whirlwind of reaction, but he laughed it off.

Of course, ESPN has deleted that portion of the interview so we cannot hear it (listen for the edit three seconds in).

While the comment may seem innocuous, Rose made it clear he doesn’t want two men touching one another with their bodies. Where do you think that comes from? He’s perfectly fine with men being naked, showering together. But once they touch? All bets are off. As we saw with ESPN’s Rob Parker earlier this week, his comments reflect the root of homophobia.

Rose knows a thing or two about losing championship games. He lost in the NCAA championship game two years in a row with Michigan; And he lost in the NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers in 2000. He was also suspended by ESPN last year for a DUI arrest.

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Jordan Rodgers

Jordan Rodgers, quarterback at Vanderbilt University and the brother of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was among students speaking out against the school’s nondiscrimination policy as it applies to student groups, especially religious ones. Rodgers is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is opposed to homosexuality and whose website talks about “saving” gays from their “lifestyle.”

The policy at Vanderbilt came into being after the Christian fraternity BYX allegedly kicked out an openly gay brother in 2010. From the Nashville city paper:

Under the “all-comers” nondiscrimination policy, Vanderbilt requires that all organizations’ membership and leadership positions be open to every student on campus regardless of “race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information.” Several student organizations, most of them religious, have been deemed as non-compliant because of religion-centric qualifications for leaders.

The university put five Christian groups, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, on “provisional status” after they ignored the nondiscrimination policy when filling leadership positions. The school defends the policy, saying, for example, a non-Christian should have the right to run for a leadership position of a Christian group. It’s a policy that seems rather non-controversial since the members ultimately decide whether they want that person to lead them or not. But Rodgers disagrees:

“If someone [running for leadership] doesn’t share the faith that is being taught, what’s the point of having these organizations?” asked Rodgers, an active member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. [Vanderbilt administrator David] Williams responded by saying members of the FCA could collectively choose not to elect a non-Christian — but that person should at least have the opportunity to run for office. Rodgers conceded that a non-person-of-faith wouldn’t be elected.

“If we’re jumping through the hoops of your policy as a facade, what’s the point?” Rodgers said. Williams acknowledged that the school wouldn’t make exceptions to the policy for faith-based organizations and that he understood the opposition.

For the record, I could find nothing where Jordan Rodgers stated his views on gays, pro or con. As an organization, though, FCA’s application for leadership includes this “sexual purity” clause:

God desires His children to lead pure lives of holiness. The Bible is clear in teaching on sexual sin including sex outside of marriage and homosexual acts. Neither heterosexual sex outside of marriage nor any homosexual act constitute an alternative lifestyle acceptable to God.

The FCA’s website also has a story by a female college coach who writes about how she “was delivered from homosexuality.” It’s safe to say that FCA is not pro-gay, even if some of its members are.

We ran a story in 2010 by a cross-country runner who was gay and also an active member of FCA, who wrote about how he was accepted by fellow athletes:

My relationship with Christ has been growing stronger since I came to terms with my sexuality because there is no place in the Bible that condemns homosexuality. Just because I am gay does not mean that my interpretation of Christianity is any different from another’s.  The Bible says the same message to all who open up to the Word, and just as Christ does not change, the Bible never changes. I am no different from any other Christian in my beliefs. I am just different in my personal life, which should not have anything to do with my faith.

Then there’s this from the great website Post Secret, where people send in their deepest secrets on a postcard:

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Morrison’s tweet, which has since been deleted, read: “crack head ? Go suck out u little faggot your a guy that talks if u see me you try slap me I’m in manchester every week.”

Alan Duffy of the Justin Campaign, which fights homophobia in soccer, condemned Morrison’s tweet:

“It’s extremely disappointing to hear that yet another professional footballer in England has used homophobic language,” Mr Duffy told Goal.com

“Ravel Morrison may well not be aware of the damage those kind of remarks can do, but when football stars indulge in that kind of language, it only reinforces the view that football is not a welcoming place of LGBT fans or players.”

Morrison, 19, has been in trouble before. Goal.com says he has also faced allegations of  witness intimidation and an altercation with his girlfriend. I guess a homophobic tweet is par for the course.

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Updated at 2:43pmPT with comments from Charissa Thompson.

Today’s episode of ESPN’s First Take tackled the issue of the New England Patriots’ post-game party. While Skip Bayless didn’t find much fault with the players dancing (possibly intoxicated) at a previously planed event, Rob Parker was most concerned about the fact that there didn’t seem to be many women at the event. Clearly uncomfortable with so many men, some of them shirtless, dancing together, he begged, “where are the females?” Good heavens, we must have females!!

Host Charissa Thompson soon chimed in that at least one woman was spotted near the dance floor, adding, “so that’s good news.”

Thompson said in an email to me that she didn’t mean anything by it:

I was merely making a casual/innocent reference in the context of a response to something Rob said about the lack of women in the party video.  When the video then showed a woman, I was simply responding to him.  I didn’t mean anything by the comment.  I hope this makes sense to you.

It does make sense. I imagine with all the foolish banter between Parker and Bayless, there’s lots of time to be filled and it’s not easy.

Still, this incident is an example of the underlying root of homophobia in many people. It looks weird to some people to see so many men having fun and dancing together without a woman present. These are bigger-than-life men, heroes of today, and they must have women present, damn it! Otherwise it’s just…well…plain wrong. Weird. Queer, if you will.

Why is Parker so afraid of a room of men dancing together? Why does there have to be a woman to de-homofy the environment? Why can’t a bunch of guys who just went through a grueling 19-game season simply dance around together and have fun with friends? It’s sad to see this paid ESPN employee so desperate to declare the scene “no-homo,” and I must say I was disappointed to hear Thompson chime in upon seeing a women with, “that’s good news.” Though her thoughtful response goes a long way!

For his part, Parker is little more than a Bayless-type attention-seeking clown. He’s gotten into trouble in the past for saying Kevin Love would suck in the NBA because he’s white (Parker is black). He had to leave The Detroit News in shame for his pitiful columns.

This is no slam against ESPN. We have praised ESPN repeatedly for the company’s inclusive policies and actions. It’s just sad to see the locker room uber-macho posturing that’s allowed to get on the air. Unfortunately they haven’t posted the clip online so we can’t share it.

A Tweet to Parker was not returned.

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GLAAD jumped on him immediately, demanding that CNN fire Martin for his tweet and Facebook post that made a crack about a New England Patriot wearing pink.

I’d be curious what went through Martin’s head in the seconds after he posted that Tweet, because he quickly covered his tracks moments later:

He knew he had to cover his tracks, but we don’t know whether it was because he initially meant it as homophobic, or because he realized he inadvertently could be seen as homophobic.

This morning he explained his tweet (though did not apologize); Condensed and re-ordered for ease of reading:

Fam, let me address the issue that some in the LGBT community have raised regarding some of my Super Bowl tweets yesterday. I made several cracks about soccer as I do all the time. I was not referring to sexuality directly or indirectly regarding the David Beckham ad, and I’m sorry folks took it otherwise. It was meant to be a deliberately over the top and sarcastic crack about soccer; I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not. As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it’s another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more

Was Martin’s tweet homophobic? Was he truly dissing on soccer fans? Only one man knows.

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Most of the country will be glued to the television Sunday evening for the Super Bowl — but Christians, especially those hosting watch parties, are encouraged to play a free video message from a former championship coach as an alternative to Madonna’s halftime show.

Tony Dungy and his wife have recorded a three-minute video on the topic of adoption. Marc Andreas, vice president of marketing for the adoption agency Bethany Christian Services, shares about the video — and the Dungys. … It will be great to … share a personal message from Tony about children — about adoption, orphans and children.

Bethany Christian Services successfully fought against a nondiscrimination clause based on sexual orientation for adoptions in Virgina, so we know what their definition of “family” is, and it doesn’t include me. And with Madonna “bringing gay” to the Super Bowl, we know which side she is on.

Joe.My.God has the three-minute video.

Hat tip to Jim Allen.

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Brendan and Brian Burke

There was an awesome interview yesterday with Brian Burke, general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, about whether the NHL is ready for an openly gay player. Burke’s son, Brendan, was gay and died two years ago in a car accident. Brian Burke has become a strong public advocate for gays in sports. Here is what he told George Stromboulopoulos of the CBC:

Oh, it’s going to happen. It’s going to happen and it’s gonna take less courage than that player thinks.

Right now, a player who’s contemplating that is thinking the whole world’s going to be arrayed against him and be this mountain he’s gotta climb. And I think he’s gonna find — I really believe this, watching the acceptance that my son got when he came out, in the hockey community at Miami University — this athlete that has the courage to come out, is going to find that hill’s a lot less steep than he thinks it is. That there’s a lot of support. I know the players on our team have all spoken to me about it, and said, absolutely, a gay player is welcome here.

“A lot less courage.” Thank you, Brian Burke! I get sick of hearing how “impossible” it is for a gay player to come out and the hand-wringing that goes on and keeps these guys in the closet. Here is an NHL G.M., a guy with the power to hire and fire, saying a gay player would be welcome on his team.

The whole interview is great, including where Burke talks about how he never allowed discriminatory comments of any kind in his household:

Hat tip to SB Nation

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12:40pmPT: Rosie O’Donnell has finally tweeted about meeting Tim Tebow:

And apparently she tried to set up the Broncos back-up starting back-up starting quarterback with Jenny McCarthy:

11:21amPT: NBC Sports says the rumor is not true, and that Tebow talked to Rosie for about 30 seconds. We’ve heard from at least one person who heard the interview. So strange that Francesa would claim otherwise.

11:03amPT: Here’s a photo putting Rosie and Tebow within a few feet of each other. Not sure what that means for the bigger story.

10:37amPT: There’s a story coming out of Indianapolis today that Tim Tebow has refused to do an interview with Rosie O’Donnell “because of her lifestyle.” We’ve heard two reports that WFAN’s Mike Francesa reported on the snub and the reason for it just moments ago. Rosie O’Donnell did tweet an hour ago that she was “At the superbowl press thingy.” She is currently tweeting pics from the event, but no word on the Tebow snub.

If you have more information, please post it below. Story developing…

Hat tip to Charley, Robert and other Tweeters.

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Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore said: ‘The Premier League and our member clubs believe that everyone should be able to participate in, watch and enjoy sport – whoever they are and whatever their background.

‘When the Sports Charter to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport was launched in 2011 the Premier League signed it and we are pleased to re-affirm our commitment to it today with each of our clubs signing it individually.’

The charter reads:

• We believe that everyone should be able to participate in and enjoy sport – whoever they are and whatever their background
• We believe that sport is about fairness and equality, respect and dignity. Sport teaches individuals how to strive and succeed, how to cope with success and disappointment, and brings people together with a common goal
• We are committed to making these values a reality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We will work together, and individually, to rid sport of homophobia and transphobia
• We will make sport a welcome place for everyone – for those participating in sport, those attending sporting events and for those working or volunteering in sports at any level
• We will work with all these groups to ensure they have a voice, and to challenge unacceptable behaviour

You can read the full charter.

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GLSEN’s full press release:

NEW YORK – February 1, 2012 – The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and The Ad Council today announced the award-winning “Think Before You Speak” public service announcements (PSA) will appear at Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb. 5. GLSEN will become the first LGBT organization in the country to share its PSA campaign targeting anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) language among teens with Super Bowl attendees at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

“GLSEN is thrilled to share the Think Before You Speak campaign’s message of respect with tens of thousands of football fans attending the Super Bowl this year,” said GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard. “The PSA campaign featuring Hilary Duff, Wanda Sykes and the NBA’s Grant Hill has already reached millions of Americans across the country and we are truly grateful for this opportunity to increase awareness among a new kind of audience about the negative impact of anti-gay slurs.”

According to GLSEN’s 2009 National School Climate survey, three-quarters of LGBT students hear slurs such as “faggot” or “dyke” frequently or often at school and 9 in 10 report hearing anti-LGBT language frequently or often. Homophobic remarks such as “that’s so gay” are the most commonly heard type of biased remarks at school. Research shows that these slurs are often unintentional and simply a part of the teens’ vernacular. Most do not recognize the consequences, but the casual use of this language often carries over into more overt forms of harassment.

The advertising opportunity was made possible as an in-kind donation to GLSEN by Toronto-based Grazie Media. The media company donated airtime for GLSEN’s ongoing PSA campaign that will be displayed on a video billboard positioned directly in front of the Lucas Oil Stadium where Super Bowl attendees enter the stadium.

“At one of the biggest sport stages around the world, the Super Bowl is a massive outlet to send a message,” said Grazie Media Director of Programming, Events Vanessa Wojtala. “Our organization feels that GLSEN’s presence at the Super Bowl is a wonderful way to raise awareness about the Think Before You Speak campaign.”

Grazie Media has also provided GLSEN’s “Think Before You Speak” campaign with additional airtime at a major national sporting event to be announced soon by GLSEN.“Think Before You Speak” features humorous TV PSAs with celebrities interrupting teenagers who use the term “that’s so gay.”

The PSA campaign is complemented by an interactive website www.ThinkB4YouSpeak.com that enables youth, educators, parents and athletic coaches to take action to ensure a safer and more welcoming environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

The campaign has garnered widespread media coverage, including CNN, ABC’s “The View,” “Entertainment Tonight,” ESPN, Newsweek, The New York Times, Forbes, Gawker and PerezHilton.com. Bill O’Reilly of FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor” even referred to Hilary Duff as a “Patriot” during his “Patriots and Pinheads” segment for her work on the PSA.

Ad Council research found that strong awareness of the “Think Before You Speak” campaign among teens has demonstrated a significant shift in key attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of anti-LGBT slurs such as “that’s so gay.”

Findings from surveys conducted by the Ad Council after the first year of the campaign of teens aged 13-16 suggest that a higher percentage of teens think that people should not say “that’s so gay” for any reason (38% in 2009 vs. 28% in 2008) and a higher percentage also report “never” saying “that’s so gay” when something is stupid or uncool (28% in 2009 vs. 18% in 2008).

“GLSEN is thankful for the generous support of Grazie Media and the continued partnership with the Ad Council to help us bolster our awareness-raising efforts of how the casual use of phrases like ‘that’s so gay’ contributes to hostile school climates,” said Byard. “We know that our campaign’s message has resonated with young people across the country, and we are confident that it will continue to make headway in ending anti-gay name-calling, bullying and harassment.

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