What If Lebron James Was Gay?

I was recently reading an article about Jason Collins. The N.B.A player who announced he was gay. I started to think to myself the following; What if it was a superstar who was gay? Would it be a non-issue like most people in the league and the Press are saying? If Lebron wore a bra would we look at the situation different? We are talking about arguably the most talented athlete on the planet!

When I say bra I don’t mean if the Lebron was a lady but what if after winning his second consecutive O’Brien trophy he announced to the millions watching that he was gay? Keep in mind that James is already the most scrutinized figure in sport as is. The constant comparison’s to Jordan, his previous inability to perform in big games. The ridiculous cries from the blood thirsty media that he lacks a killer instinct. If Lebron was gay would we look at all sports different? Is that what it takes to put this whole issue to bed?

Listen, I for one could give a damn if a player is gay or straight, a descendent of Mars or Pluto, if his jump shot is on point I say; “Put him in!” Truth is that’s my own personal feeling but it’s more complicated then that I know. In team sports there is a bonding between men that rarely occurs in other walks of life. If you don’t believe me, try this. The next time a co-worker of yours does an amazing job at work, walk up to him and say “good job dog” and slap him on his ass! This type of behavior is routine in the sports world and is widely accepted as just part of the game.  Showering and walking around the locker room guys trust that no other player is checking them out or admiring their body. Guys even play pranks on each other in the shower. There is a bond that is like no other between men in sports. Does a teammate who knows another teammate is gay feel hesitant to play or act a certain way around that teammate? Sure he does! Funny thing is that gay teammate probably isn’t interested in the other player anyway but the elephant in the room has caused a moment of pause.

I applaud Collins for having the stone’s to come out and stand on that fragile ledge. However that ledge becomes a 80 foot high tightrope walk if the athlete is at the top of his profession. It’s my opinion that it will take a big time superstar in a major sport to come out publicly, while in his prime, to really bring us together on this matter. The key here is in his Prime! “Why is it important he be in his prime?” you ask. Because the lights will be on that athlete all the time and the world will constantly be reminded of the circumstances surrounding him. “Why a Superstar?” you ask. Well let me ask you this: Can you honestly say that with all the movement that is going on in the N.B.A. right now that you have spent time recently thinking or giving serious thought to the Jason Collins announcement? A more prominent sports figure would  force us to consider our point of view on a very sensitive matter. I believe that perception changes only when we have no other choice but to deal with the issue head on.