http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/57-interviews/302-jim-tressel-everybody-is-importantOhio State head football coach talks about the importance of understanding everyone, including gay and lesbian athletes
By Michael Daniels
But what if a player on the OSU football team were to come out as gay, I want to know. What advice would Tressel offer him? Would the team, fans and University be supportive?
“We strive to teach and model appreciation for everyone,” Tressel says. “One, we are a family. If you haven’t learned from your family at home that people have differences and those strengthen the whole, then you are hopefully going to learn it as part of the Ohio State football family.”
“Two, every part of our team is important and every role has value – no job is too small and no person is irrelevant – that’s a great lesson that transcends into society. When I think of the diversity we’ve had on our team the past few years, it goes way beyond just a racial, sexual or ethnic mix. We’ve had players who had different religions, players who came from different economic backgrounds, players who are parents, who are spouses, who are caring for ailing parents, who are wheelchair bound, who are battling cancer, and on and on. Whatever a young man feels called to express, I hope we will help him do it in a supportive environment. Everybody is important, and maturity is learning to find and appreciate those differences in others.”----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I encourage everyone to read the entire interview.
Jim Tressel, as many of you may know, is considered one of the most conservative coaches in football. From his attire (sweatervests), philosophy and personality. He's deeply religious as well.
He's the last person you would think would grant an interview with a GLBT publication. Let alone the first FBS college coach, as far as anyone knows, to grant an interview to a GLBT magazine.
I've always been a big fan of Jim Tressel, the coach, but I may be an even bigger fan of Jim Tressel the PERSON. Seriously, in an age of intolerance and hate, it's amazing to see a football coach open to talk about these issues in an accepting manner.
I am so glad to be an Ohio State fan right now.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(494 posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
