The San Francisco 49ers were the first NFL team to make an “It Gets Better” video, yet two players who participated in it apparently suffered too many hits to the head as they deny ever making the PSA.
Linebacker Ahmad Brooks and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga were asked about the video after teammate Chris Culliver eloquently told radio host Artie Lange that his team “don’t got no gay players” and that “they gotta get up outta here if they do.”
Although they are literally two of the four 49ers to appear in it, Brooks and Sopoaga initially denied having a part in the team’s “It Gets Better” video. “I didn’t make any video,” Brooks told USA Today. “This is America and if someone wants to be gay, they can be gay. It’s their right. But I didn’t make any video.”
USA Today then told Brooks that not only had they seen the video, but they had seen him in the video, Brooks responded, “I don’t remember that. I think if I made a video, I’d remember it.”
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
And that’s when the reporter opened up the cash register and produced a receipt; Brooks was shown the PSA on an iPhone.
“Oh, that,” he said. “It was an anti-bullying video, not a gay (rights) video.”
The USA Today reporter then pointed out that studies show the majority of bullying is based on a teen’s sexual identity, leading Brooks to contemplate for a second, or several.
“I know that. I know that,” Brooks said. “Okay, you’re right and I’m wrong. Are you from one of those New York newspapers?”
Sopoaga was also incredulous over his inclusion in the video, even as teammate Will Tukuafu tried to jog his memory.
“Yeah, you made that video, remember?” Tukuafu said.
“No,” Sopoaga said. “I never went. And now someone is using my name.”
Sopoaga was then shown the video, after which he asked, “What was that for?”
When told it was to stop anti-gay bullying, Sopoaga responded, “Yeah, OK.” Asked if he would like to comment on the video, the always loquacious Sopoaga said, “No.”
So either the 49ers didn’t let their players know they were making a video supporting gay teens, or Brooks and Sopoaga are, how can we put this gently, idiots. We suspect it was probably both. Not like it matters now, since Dan Savage has pulled the 49ers’ video from the It Gets Better website in the wake of all their homophobic trash talk.
MikeE
I’m certain the 49ers’ told them clearly what they were filming.
These guys ARE idiots.
Gigi Gee
Apparently it doesn’t get better?
1EqualityUSA
IQ’s in the low 60’s.
Peternsancarlos
Maybe they received brain injury’s and should not play in the super bowl?
LadyL
You just never want to stop slapping them.
jason3219391571
Isaac and Ahmad brooks did nothing wrong, they didn’t say anything anti gay. You guys are the bullies not ahmad and isaac. i will force 49er fans to like and root for isaac and ahmad brooks no matter what. they had a good reason to deny being in the video.anyone who disagrees with me is an idiot moron
732-636-2407
LandStander
@jason3219391571: And what was their “good reason to deny being in the video” ?
greenmusic23f
Anyone who says “anyone who disagrees with me is an idiot” is an idiot. <—-Irony!
Xanderer
Football is obviously a dangerous sport, they don’t even remember making the video. Too many hits to the head?
KARUADAM
1: The two are bloody Muslim.
2: Apartheid South Africa, was great I was there!!.
pineypointmike
@greenmusic23f: You found it.
It’s like naming an airport after the president who screwed over the air-traffic controllers. I still call it “Washington National.”
2cruse
@jason3219391571: And how is it that you can “force” anyone to do anything? With the power of your personality perhaps.
L Streeter
In 1965 (23 years before Chris Culliver’s birth, 19 years before Ahmad Brooks’ birth, and 16 years before Isaac Sopoaga’s birth) I was risking my life in the historic Freedom March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama—fighting for the civil rights that the three of them now enjoy—the very rights that allow them to publicly promote their doctrine of bigotry, hatred and ignorance.
In a 1998 address, author, activist, and civil rights leader Coretta Scott King stated that, “Homophobia is like racism and anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry in that it seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, to deny their humanity, their dignity and personhood.”
Colliver, Brooks and Sopoaga should be ashamed! They are a disgrace to their race!