OT: 2 CFL players fined for homophobic comments

Submitted by Canadian on

Two players have been fined by the CFL for homophobic comments. Arland Bruce III, of the Montreal Alouettes, took to instagram to pass along his message to Michael Sam while Bryant Turner of the WInnipeg Blue Bombers sent a suggestive tweet.

I refuse to post the tweet and instagram post as I do not want to propagate their messages. I will post links for those interested in what was actually said. This stuff continues my lack of faith in humanity

Story: http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=443568

Bruce: instagram

Turner: 7th paragraph

 

 

 

on a lighter note (well kind of) I found this gem of a picture.

for those who don't know Mayor Rob Ford has been accused on a couple of occasions of homophobic comments/actions

 

TruBluMich

February 11th, 2014 at 10:08 PM ^

As much as I'm glad that the CFL does not allow ignorance. I'm pretty sure this has nothing to do with Michigan. The only reason to post things like this is to start a political or religious debate. Yes, being for it or against it is the same. Either way your going to upset someone.

sadeto

February 11th, 2014 at 10:12 PM ^

Devastating comments coming from a couple of semi-literate gentlemen playing American football in Canada. Mr. Sam will probably surpass them on the field; he already has in character. 

I was disappointed to see that Bruce, a JUCO transfer, attended...Minnesota. 

lilpenny1316

February 11th, 2014 at 11:07 PM ^

I would probably feel the same way the father did.  Especially after getting that as a text.  Pretty cold and immature way to drop that on the dad.  You can tell teammates and coaches to their face, but not dad?  Either way, I give dad credit for being honest about his feelings and not saying anything like his son was dead to him.

True Blue 9

February 11th, 2014 at 11:21 PM ^

Just giving a different point of view here and didn't think I'd ever share anything like this on here but figure it's for good reason. I'm actually gay and this is in essense the same way I came out to my parents (althought, it was via a very short email and not a text). But let me share with you why I decided to go that route. I know my parents well and I knew that a face to face conversation or even over the phone wouldn't be right because my parents are the type that like to take some time, digest the topic, and then discuss it. My parents are now my #1 fans and we had a great conversation about it. I can't help but feel our relationship is better because of how it all went down. In the words of my Mom 'It took you 20 years to accept that you were gay and it took me a day. Thank you for giving me that time to take it all in'. 

ZooWolverine

February 11th, 2014 at 11:55 PM ^

This is exactly what I was going to say. I've talked over this same decision with friends of mine who were coming out, and it sounds to me like Michael Sam knows his father well, just as you know your parents.

With a phone call or in person, the parent needs to respond right away--a text or email allows them to do some processing, and respond in a way that's going to be better for everyone involved. Unfortunately, it sounds like Michael's father will take some additional time, but hopefully he'll get there quickly.

Coastal Elite

February 12th, 2014 at 12:05 AM ^

Just wanted to commend you on sharing your insight into this, CBB. Exceedingly happy for you, both for being open about who you are and for having such supportive parents. This comment alone outweighs all the ignorant homophobic remarks I've seen on sports blogs and social media since the Michael Sam story broke.

westwardwolverine

February 12th, 2014 at 9:42 AM ^

If you have zero sense of humor when it comes to issues of orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, etc. (like a large portion of the politically correct population), then one could consider the second one offensive. Most people would brush it off as a silly joke. But then again, today we consider an off color tweet the equivalent of a violent assault in the streets. 

ClearEyesFullHart

February 12th, 2014 at 12:58 AM ^

On the one hand there is no place for these kind of public comments, as they could be hurtful to people out of the public eye. As far as Michael Sam goes though...He is looking for attention. And if he doesn't think he is going to hear worse than that in the locker room, he's in for a rude awakening. Anti gay, racist, picking on him about his teeth--and that's just what he's going to get from his friends.

WolverineMan1975

February 12th, 2014 at 12:20 AM ^

We are now fining people for words and thoughts! Homosexuality is cool! Healthy even! If you don't agree, either STFU or get fined.

Gucci Mane

February 12th, 2014 at 3:23 AM ^

Its almost to the point where people who disagree with the practice of homosexuality are becoming discriminated against. As far as these players getting fined; it's sad that a league would censor it's players, if a NFL player displays that he doesn't agree with Michael Sam's choices I would hope he is not penalized for it and if anyone is they should file a lawsuit against the league.

AZBlue

February 12th, 2014 at 3:25 AM ^

But if you are a public face of a private institution you have to be prepared for consequences to your "printed" words.

....except if you are saying something about those filthy, filthy, beer-swilling Canadians. (attempt at a Family Guy "The more you know" joke.. )

turtleboy

February 12th, 2014 at 1:30 AM ^

Further proof that Twitter is a bad idea. They need to put incredibly complicated captcha codes before every tweet so people have a moment to think twice about posting.

74polSKA

February 12th, 2014 at 10:23 AM ^

I was all ready to defend Bruce's position before I saw the whole comment (they only had part of it in the article). He definitely sounds like an ignorant ass or a very poor comedian if that's supposed to be funny. It's too bad that comments like his are the only exposure many people have to "religious" people. If he had just been sharing his religious views, I don't see why that's homophobic. Our culture and my religion seem to have two extremes on this issue. You either have all truth (if you believe the Bible anyway) and no love, or you have all love (condoning behavior that I believe is unBiblical) and no truth. I wish people could articulate why they believe what they believe in a healthier way instead of just criticizing people who don't share their views. That goes for both sides of the issue.

Canadian

February 12th, 2014 at 11:46 AM ^

I am the furthest from religious but I respect people's religious beliefs. If I don't agree with them I will let it go by the wayside or at most simply state I don't agree with your beliefs. I try at all costs to avoid insulting someone by cracking a joke or going out of my to personally attack someone and I expect the same from everyone.
Not to say that this was an "attack" but it was a personalized message that went beyond the line of acceptable behavior.