You Can Play

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You Can Play
Formation March 4, 2012; 13 months ago (2012-03-04)
Type Activism
Purpose/focus Eradication of homophobia in sports
Key people Patrick Burke
Brian Kitts
Glenn Witman
Brian Burke
Website youcanplayproject.org

You Can Play is a social activism campaign dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in sports, centered around the slogan, "If you can play, you can play." The campaign was launched on March 4, 2012, by its three co-founders: Patrick Burke (a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers and son of former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke), Brian Kitts, and Glenn Witman (both of GForce Sports).[1] The campaign was precipitated by the death of Brendan Burke, son of Brian and brother of Patrick. You Can Play is an official partner of the National Hockey League.

Contents

Background [edit]

Brendan Burke in 2007

Prior to his death, Brendan Burke was known for his efforts to combat homophobia in hockey. Brendan, a student manager for the Miami University RedHawks hockey team, came out publicly in 2009 as an openly gay man through an article written for ESPN.com by John Buccigross.[2] Brendan appeared with father Brian on the Canadian channel TSN during an intermission of a nationally televised hockey game to discuss his sexuality and his father's acceptance. Brendan said, "I think it's important my story is told to people because there are a lot of gay athletes out there and gay people working in pro sports that deserve to know there are safe environments where people are supportive regardless of your sexual orientation."[3] Brendan died in a car crash on February 5, 2010. He was 21 years old.[4]

Brian and Patrick continued to combat homophobia in the NHL after Brendan's death; Patrick, along with Brian Kitts and Glenn Witman, founded You Can Play as a tribute to his brother.[5] The name You Can Play originates from a piece Patrick Burke wrote for outsports.com. In the piece, Patrick talks about the overwhelmingly positive experience surrounding Brendan's coming out: "I waited to get a negative email, or to read a damning article, or to hear a snide comment at a game. I waited, and I waited, and I waited…and I got what I should have expected the entire time: love, support, and admiration." He talks of letters and emails that poured in to his family, and he also talks of fellow scouts and hockey personnel pulling him aside and giving their support. He summarizes his feelings in the revelation that across the hockey world, what matters is whether or not you can play. "If you can play, we welcome you." [6] The quote was adapted to the catchier "If you can play, you can play" by the campaign.

You Can Play had its genesis in early 2011 at an event at the University of Denver, at which Glenn Witman had asked Patrick to be a guest speaker. Witman also invited Brian, and their casual conversations led to the eventual founding and launch of You Can Play.[7]

Launch [edit]

On March 4, 2012, the You Can Play Project released a video called "The Faceoff".[8] In it, Patrick Burke and Brian Burke introduced the You Can Play Project, stating that their aim is to "carry on [Brendan's] legacy, and ensure that LGBT athletes around the world are afforded equal opportunity; judged only by their talent, character, and work ethic in their sport." The video features appearances from prominent NHL players Rick Nash, Duncan Keith, Claude Giroux, Matt Moulson, Daniel Alfredsson, Corey Perry, Henrik Lundqvist, and other popular NHL players. The video was uploaded to YouTube and aired during a Bruins-Rangers game.[9] It was produced by HBO and aired originally by NBC.[10] "The Faceoff" won the 2012 GLAAD Amplifier Award.[11]

Organization [edit]

The You Can Play Advisory Board includes Brian Burke, ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross, Miami University head hockey coach Enrico Blasi, Kraft Sports Group Vice President of Customer Marketing & Strategy Jessica Gelman, ESPN columnist LZ Granderson, Olympic soccer player Angela Hucles, Be The Change president and CEO Kevin Jennings, Andy Miele of the Phoenix Coyotes, sports psychologist Dana Sinclair, AEG Vice President Kelly Staley, professional soccer player David Testo, San Jose Sharks forward Tommy Wingels, and Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts.[12] In February 2013, the Advisory Board added transgender activist and baseball analyst Christina Kahrl and former NFL players Wade Davis and Esera Tuaolo.[13] Miele and Wingels were the founding donors of You Can Play.[14]

Goals [edit]

You Can Play aims to rid professional sports of "casual homophobia" in the locker room.[15] Their approach emphasizes education rather than punishment or blame.[16]

The You Can Play mission statement reads as follows:

"You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.

You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit."[17]

Patrick Burke has been quoted as saying, “The end goal of our project is that we’re completely useless. We want the day to come when it’s not a story when an athlete comes out, when athletes are only judged by how they can help their teams win.” [18] In March 2012, Burke stated that he believed the NHL would see a current player come out within the next two years.[19]

The You Can Play website promotes an initiative called the "Captain's Challenge," encouraging team captains from various sports, no matter the level of competition, to sign a form in support of You Can Play and its message. The challenge reads:

"As a team captain, I pledge to respect the talents and work of all my teammates. I will encourage my teammates to speak up for each other when confronted with slurs of any sort in the locker room or on the playing field. And I'll start discussions that promote the acceptance of all of my teammates in order to build trust and a winning ethic."[20]

You Can Play intends to release a playbook about casual homophobia as a resource for athletes and sports officials to help ensure safety for LGBT people in their communities.[21]

Supporters [edit]

NHL [edit]

The following NHL players and personnel have publicly endorsed You Can Play and its mission:

Brian Burke appeared on TVOntario in July 2012 to talk about You Can Play. In response to a question about whether the NHL is ready to accept gay players, he said, "Before we started, we went to the NHL and said, 'Does this have your support?' and Gary Bettman was like, 'Absolutely.' He knew Brendan, and he was like, 'Absolutely, that day can't come soon enough.'"[39] On April 11, 2013, the NHL and NHLPA announced an official partnership with You Can Play, including a commitment to educate prospects on LGBT issues and provide avenues for players to seek confidential counseling related to sexual orientation.[40]

AHL and the You Can Play Pledge [edit]

Several American Hockey League teams have created videos for You Can Play and/or taken the You Can Play Pledge, a pledge to support the campaign's principles signed by the entire organization. These teams include:

Post-Secondary Institutions [edit]

A number of colleges and universities from across North America and Canada have contributed videos to the campaign. This list includes:

ECHL [edit]

In March 2013 the San Francisco Bulls of the ECHL became the first team in that league to partner with the You Can Play project.[62]

CWHL [edit]

On December 20, 2012, You Can Play announced an official partnership with the Canadian Women's Hockey League. In a statement, Patrick Burke said, “LGBT female athletes face a different set of problems than male athletes, but those problems are no less serious. This partnership will encourage both LGBT athletes and their numerous straight allies to speak up for each other, without fear of recrimination from teammates, coaches, fans, or sponsors." The CWHL is the first league to partner with You Can Play.[63]

MLS [edit]

On October 12, 2012, You Can Play published a video from DC United of Major League Soccer. This was the campaign's first public service announcement from a professional sports league outside of the NHL, as well as the first outside of hockey.[64]

CHL [edit]

In March 2012, the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League became the first Major Junior team to contribute to the You Can Play project.[65]

Other [edit]

In April 2012, The Sports Network released a You Can Play video wherein James Duthie, Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Bob McKenzie promised to cover LGBT athletes without sensationalizing their sexual orientations.[66]

Akil Patterson, a former University of Maryland athlete and aspiring Olympian in Greco-Roman Wrestling, contributed a video to the project, talking in detail about his struggles with addiction and his own sexuality.[67]

Challenges [edit]

Since You Can Play has gained widespread support and recognition by North American professional leagues, they have been called to comment on challenging instances of homophobia involving professional athletes.

Cam Janssen [edit]

In July 2012, Cam Janssen of the New Jersey Devils appeared on an internet radio talk show, making several derogatory and threatening jokes involving women, gay-bashing, and his role on his team as an enforcer.[68] After speaking with Patrick Burke, Janssen apologized for his comments and expressed his support for You Can Play, and the campaign released a statement saying they believe Janssen's apology to be sincere.[69]

Yunel Escobar [edit]

On September 15, 2012, Yunel Escobar, then a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, played a game with a homophobic slur written in Spanish across his eye black. In response, the Blue Jays suspended their player for three games.[70] Twelve days later, Yunel sat down with Patrick Burke and LGBT athlete Jose Estevez to discuss the incident. Patrick Burke left the meeting feeling confident in the interaction between Yunel and Jose. He is quoted as saying: "I thought the meeting was very productive. Yunel seemed genuinely interested in what Jose had to say, and appeared to really take it to heart. I think Jose did a tremendous job of making Yunel fully grasp the implications behind his actions."[71]

Chris Culliver [edit]

Just prior to the 2013 Super Bowl, Chris Culliver of the San Francisco 49ers responded as follows to an interview question about whether he had any gay teammates: "We don't have any gay guys on the team... They gotta get up outta here if they do. Can't be with that sweet stuff." You Can Play, GLAAD, and Athlete Ally released a joint statement condemning these views. Culliver subsequently apologized and pledged to grow from the experience.[72]

See also [edit]

Portal icon LGBT portal

References [edit]

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  2. ^ "ESPN Article". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
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  6. ^ Burke, Patrick. "Never forgotten: Patrick Burke remembers his pioneering brother, Brendan". outsports.com. Retrieved 6/12/2012. 
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  53. ^ "George Washington University". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  54. ^ "Miami University". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  55. ^ "Northeastern University". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  56. ^ "Princeton". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  57. ^ "UCLA". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  58. ^ "UConn". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
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  60. ^ "University of New Brunswick". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  61. ^ "University of Ottawa". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  62. ^ http://sfbulls.com/news/bulls-host-lgbtq-night-at-the-cow-palace-on-march-23/
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  66. ^ "TSN Broadcasters". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 6/12/2012. 
  67. ^ "Akil Patterson". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  68. ^ Hughes, Travis. "Cam Janssen Makes Gay Joke, Calls Kings 'Fat Broads You Regret Bangin". SB Nation. Retrieved 2/17/2013. 
  69. ^ "Statement Regarding Cam Janssen". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 2/17/2013. 
  70. ^ "suspension". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  71. ^ "Yunel Escobar and YCP". Retrieved 17 November 2012. 
  72. ^ "You Can Play Issues Joint Statement on 49ers’ Chris Culliver Anti-Gay Comments". The You Can Play Project. Retrieved 2/17/2013. 

External links [edit]

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