As the debate about whether defensive lineman Michael Sam’s decision to come out publicly will affect his chance at an NFL career rages on, veteran Dallas-based sportscaster Dale Hansen has delivered what ought to be the final word on the subject.
Hansen takes inventory of how the NFL has embraced athletes charged with vehicular manslaughter, domestic violence, rape and lying to police to cover up murder, yet gets hung up on a player’s sexual orientation. “You love another man? Well, now you’ve gone too far,” he notes with sarcasm.
“I’m not always comfortable when a man tells me he’s gay; I don’t understand his world,” Hansen shares. “But I do understand that he’s part of mine.”
Hansen has already twice been named Sportscaster of the Year by the Associated Press, but based on his broadcast below here’s hoping there’ll be a third honor.
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BlackHouston
Preach
DShucking
When I saw it on the other site it didn’t say what he was going to say but I still watched it anyway. I got a little choked up. I can’t even explain why. I think it’s just a reminder how powerful it can be to have allies.
avesraggiana
What a class act.
Respect4all
Pardon my prejudices, but one just doesn’t expect to hear something so intelligent, reasonable and decent from a white-haired, Dallas sports anchor with a Texas drawl. Frankly I don’t expect it from anyone anymore. But it just goes to show: miracles can happen. I guess there is a some hope for this fucked-up country after all.
Respect4all
I liked it even better the second time, especially the part about people who want gov’t out of our lives, but are OK with gov’t in our bedrooms. How did they ever let such a smart man on TV?
ouragannyc
Amen!!!
Very well said!
TerrenM
Not all of Texas is ASS-BACKWARDS. Here in Houston (the 4th largest city in the US), we have elected the FIRST openly gay mayor of a major metro area for her THIRD TERM. Houston is actually very progressive. Wiki her. Her name is Annise Parker. We’re proud of our mayor and our city. WAY ahead of the little D.
Fitz
I 100% own that I am a total bigot about big white guys from Texas. I expect a very specific script to come out of them. I’m so happy to be made a fool of!
tookietookie
I have a cynical heart. But this man makes tears stream down my face right now. Bless him.
alanj
Wow, amazing
jasentylar
amazing
Dakotahgeo
People ARE, indeed changing their minds regarding GLBT sports people, even in TX! Inch by inch… everything’s a cinch. Paciencia! Patience!
Cam
This was fantastic.
robirob
A really great speech. I am shocked though when he listed all the crimes and midemeanors potential NFL players have committed and yet still they got drafted.
krystalkleer
this guy’s think’n cap needs to be sold by the truck loads to the like of the Limbaugh’s and Robertson’s and Duck Dynasty’s of the world period! KUDO’S to you Mr. Hansen!
http://getoffmydress.blogspot.com/2014/02/bleedn-hearts-club.html
Charlie in Charge
Healing words. Thanks, Mister!
LandStander
@TerrenM: “Here in Houston (the 4th largest city in the US), we have elected the FIRST openly gay mayor of a major metro area for her THIRD TERM”
You mean the first openly gay mayor of Houston, NOT the first openly gay mayor of a major metro area. I believe that would be mayor Sam Adams in Portland, Oregon. Though I could be wrong!
Texasteacher
I’ve been living in Dallas, Texas for 19 years now and I really love it here! My family thinks I should move back to the east coast, because they think it’s safer for gay people, but this is the kind of thing that helps me prove Dallas is pretty progressive place to live. Texans actually have a strong sense of fair-play that I really admire and have benefited from insofar as employment is concerned as an out gay teacher. The weather, shopping and the restaurants are great and the men are really attractive!
JayHobeSound
“I write only what I believe — and I simply believe what I wrote. Seems like common sense to me — nothing more or less.”
– – Dale Hansen, Huffington Post, 2/12/2014
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/12/dale-hansen-michael-sam-gay-nfl-video_n_4775165.html
Moar common sense, please!
Mezaien
What A speech!! good for you dude, I remember how WHITE were talking about black in my old country South Africa, APARTHEID. AdamHomo