Bad execution can always ruin “good” intentions. This is especially true when it comes to the NFL’s attempts at creating a safe space for gay players. While the league has made some progress in recent years, there is still much work to be done. That’s why it’s particularly frustrating to see the NFL hosting a “Pride Night” during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas. It’s a clear example of the league’s lack of self-awareness.
On the surface, the event seems like a positive step forward. The NFL claims that it will include conversations with GLAAD and spotlight advances in LGBTQ inclusion in professional sports. However, it’s hard to take these intentions seriously when you consider the league’s past actions.
Take, for example, the case of Michael Sam. In 2014, Sam became the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL. However, he never played a single down in a regular-season game. The fact that a talented player like Sam was not given a fair chance speaks volumes about the league’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusion.
But it’s not just about one player. The NFL has a long history of homophobic language and behavior. Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, for instance, was exposed for using derogatory slurs in emails, including referring to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a “f——-t.” This kind of language is not only offensive but also perpetuates a culture of intolerance within the league.
So when the NFL announces events like “A Night of Pride with GLAAD” and the Pride Flag Football Clinic, it’s hard to believe that they are genuinely committed to LGBTQ inclusion. It feels more like a PR stunt than a sincere effort to create a safe and accepting environment for gay players.
The league’s attempts to position itself as an authority on LGBTQ issues are also questionable. In a video spot released in 2021, the NFL declared that “Football is Gay,” along with other identities like “lesbian,” “queer,” and “transgender.” While it’s important to promote inclusivity, it’s hard to take this message seriously when it comes from an organization that has a long way to go in terms of actually practicing what it preaches.
It’s not enough for the NFL to simply hold events and make empty statements. The league needs to take concrete actions to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their sexual orientation. This means addressing the culture of homophobia that still exists within the league, holding individuals accountable for their actions, and providing support and resources for LGBTQ players.
Until the NFL demonstrates a genuine commitment to LGBTQ inclusion, events like “Pride Night” during Super Bowl week will continue to ring hollow. It’s time for the league to step up and show that it truly values and supports its gay players. Only then will the NFL’s intentions match its actions.
