Well, don't leave us hanging--how'd you get that way?
Posted on 10/26/2005 5:40:43 AM PDT by truthandlife
Houston Comets forward Sheryl Swoopes is opening up about being a lesbian, telling a magazine that she's "tired of having to hide my feelings about the person I care about."
Swoopes, honored last month as the WNBA's Most Valuable Player, told ESPN The Magazine for a story on newsstands today that she didn't always know she was gay and fears that coming out could jeopardize her status as a role model.
"Do I think I was born this way? No," Swoopes said. "And that's probably confusing to some, because I know a lot of people believe that you are."
Swoopes, who was married and has an 8-year-old son, said her 1999 divorce "wasn't because I'm gay," she said.
She said her reason for coming out now is merely because she wants to be honest.
"It's not something that I want to throw in people's faces. I'm just at a point in my life where I'm tired of having to pretend to be somebody I'm not," Swoopes said. "I'm tired of having to hide my feelings about the person I care about. About the person I love."
A release from ESPN The Magazine about the story did not disclose the identity of Swoopes' partner.
A five-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Swoopes is the WNBA's only three-time MVP. She played for the Comets during their run of four championships from 1997-2000, but missed the 2001 season with a knee injury.
She said her biggest worry about her revelation is that people will be afraid to look up to her.
"I don't want that to happen," she said. "Being gay has nothing to do with the three gold medals or the three MVPs or the four championships I've won. I'm still the same person. I'm Sheryl."
Swoopes led the WNBA in scoring last year, averaging 18.6 points. She also averaged 4.3 assists and 2.65 steals while making 85 percent of her free throws and playing a league-high 37.1 minutes a game.
She said it "irritates" her that no one talks about gays playing in men's sports, but that it's become an issue in the WNBA.
"Sexuality and gender don't change anyone's performance on the court," she said. "Women play just as hard as guys do. We're just as competitive."
At least she was honest. This statement will not help her with the lesbian community.
This should continue to help the WNBA's demise. This will reinforce that this league is a lesbian league though. You might can even say that this league will turn you to become a lesbian.
WNBA partners with lesbian club to up attendance
WNBA experience worthwhile [wholesome fun includes lots of lesbian couples]
Well, don't leave us hanging--how'd you get that way?
There are lesbians in the WNBA? Shocking! Next thing, we'll find out they're in the LPGA!
There are lesbians in the WNBA? Shocking! Next thing, we'll find out they're in the LPGA!
The WNBA..........now there's a platform the whole country pays attention to.
OK Sheryl, then why don't you just continue on, without the fanfare and publicity, as a Lesbian. No need to 'Throw it in our faces' as you say you don't want to. Who really cares but the MSM?
I guess she's saying it was a choice.
And a bad one, I might add.
Doesn't this sort of count as making a big deal, as throwing it in everyone's faces?
This is the most publicity the WNBA has received all season.
Perhaps it's something one catches from hanging around in too many locker rooms with lesbians....
ESPN did a crappy job of keeping her partner a secret- they tell who it is on their website: a former coach, Alisa Scott.
A female athlete gay? No way!
Comets Announce Resignation of Scott
“We have known each other for a long time, and I really enjoyed coaching with her,” said Head Coach and General Manager Van Chancellor. “She was instrumental in us winning our last three WNBA Championships. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Scott (Mississippi ‘87) served seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Comets after joining the team on July 3, 1998. Her appointment to the Comets staff reunited her with Coach Chancellor, who she previously coached under and played for at the University of Mississippi.
Included in her role with the Comets, Scott worked with the team’s post players, including 2004 All-WNBA First Team member Tina Thompson. Also under her tutelage, center Michelle Snow earned WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2003.
In addition to three titles with the Comets, Scott also served as an assistant coach for the WNBA Western Conference All-Star Team on three occasions (1999, 2000, 2001). She originally joined the Comets staff after replacing Peggie Gillom, who was named head coach at Texas A&M University midway through the 1998 season.
Maybe in Houston and Texas, but not in Portalnd aor Maine. Up here in the land of Barney Franks two favorite congressmen, Mike Michaud and Tommie Allen, being a lesbian with name recognition would make her a front line democratic operative, star, and canddiate for the US Senate against Ollie Snowe.
It is Geoprge Bush's fault, of course.
A picture that begs for a comment, but alas, I shall pass.
There was a story going around when Swoopes transfered from the Univerisity of Texas to Texas Tech that she did so because she was tired of being hit on by all ther Texas teammates.
She is certainly a gifted athlete and an attractive woman. Most conservatives won't really care about her preferences in the bedroom.
~ Blue Jays ~
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