Australian rugby star David Pocock took a stand against homophobic language during a recent match, and his passionate outcry is being met with both admiration and criticism.
Multiple players on the Brumbies informed their teammate Pocock that a player on their opponents’ team, the Waratahs, was using derogatory antigay slurs to put them down.
26-year-old Pocock, who was formerly the captain of Australia’s national team, has a track record of advocating for LGBT rights, and approached a referee mid-game to bring attention to the situation, informing him that two players had been called “faggots.”
He said afterwards:
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“As players, we’ve said the Brumbies aren’t going to tolerate any homophobic slurs, I just made that clear to the referee that it’s unacceptable. You can be the toughest man in the world, but it’s got nothing to do with using that sort of language.”
The incident played out in front of 27,000 fans, with the referee stating the it was “unacceptable.” No official punishments were doled out, though an investigation is currently underway.
While many (including us) praise Pocock for taking a stand, his actions have come under fire from some rugby fans. Here’s the general argument:
“Says Rod, of Surry Hills: “Has sport come to this? I don’t agree with comments like that, but neither do I agree with making such an issue of it. Pocock knows the player(s) involved, and he’d be better served having a stern word to them during the game, or after the game. To bring the referee into it is unnecessary, in my view, although I’m sure plenty of the PC crowd will disagree.”
Pocock naturally has a different take. He said:
“In many ways what happens in sport reflects what’s happening in society. The tide has turned on this, becoming more inclusive and moving towards acceptance and marriage equality at some point is going to happen. I very much see sport playing a role in that.”
Troy E. Pelaar
Way to stick to his guns!
Ty Halen
Sometimes some good news drowns out the bad
jwtraveler
It’s fascinating that people who do nothing to address injustice are more than willing to tell those who do that they’re doing it the wrong way. If you don’t like the way someone else is fighting injustice, do it yourself. Whatever you do, it’s better than doing nothing.
jwtraveler
Oh. And look at those thighs. I could hug’em all night.
Tookietookie123
I think he handled it perfectly! That language shouldn’t be on the field or anywhere for that matter. Thank you David, you have no idea how often we hear this type of language especially in sports. The only reason I don’t attend any sports events is because they’re usually uninviting to us. It’s nice to know there are people like you in the world! Again, thank you so much!!!
Captain Obvious
Finally someone who’s actually doing it the right way! This is someone who isn’t using us to gain easy fame and endorsements. He saw a problem and called it out.
I can think of a few douchebags using us and others just for attention to make more money.
It’s easy to say nice things to an interviewer, it’s much harder to stand up in public when you actually see the problem playing out. Especially in a place like Australia which has severe homophobia problems.
Leonard Woodrow
Well done that man! It’s nice to see an intelligent attitude … all to rare in football.
JJinAus
@Captain Obvious: “Severe”? As compared to where exactly? Let me shortcut your response. I live here.
jason smeds
These rugby players have such great legs. American gridiron players cover theirs, sadly.
jason smeds
Here’s an update to this story. Jacques Potgieter of the Waratahs rugby team allegedly uttered the anti-gay slur and has reportedly been fined. You can read the article here:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/nsw-waratahs-forward-jacques-potgieter-fined-20000-for-homophobic-slurs-against-act-brumbies-20150323-1m5wau.html
As for Jacques, what a pity that’s he seems to have done this. Here he is coming out of the ocean – he’s in the green Speedos – in a training session with the team. Hubba, hubba…:
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jacques+Potgieter+Waratahs+Recovery+Session+3noIOoHoWVPl.jpg
Giancarlo85
Homophobic slurs have no place on the field. This has nothing to do with “political correctness”.
Unfortunately this also happens in football (or as people in the US call “soccer”, but I’ll never call it that). Ra*c*ist chants and homophobic slurs are used all the time. I’ve seen games where players simply walk off the field because they were subjected to rac*i*al abuse. Homophobia is also prevalent.
Daniel Nespal
good for him! …those cry babies LOL
Billy Budd
Wonderful legs. I am glad he is on our side.
Derek Williams
Great support – but some fairly nasty social media commentary (as is always to be expected) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFv1WYG_Rk
Nigel Pembroke-Sloan
Aussie rugby star David Pocock has long been a LGBT and Marriage Equality advocate.
brent6696
@Jason Smeds, thank you, thank you very much.
Captain Obvious
@JJinAus: I’ve heard many stories from those who say they live there about how homophobic people are. Like coming out just to spit on Heath Ledger’s casket for being in Brokeback Mountain despite the fact that he wasn’t even gay.
Seems pretty homophobic to me.
Mr-DJ
“Has the sport come to this?” – No, the WORLD has come to this.
jtroi
He’s hot, to boot!