Brendon Ayanbadejo offers to help Ole Miss after freshman athletes' gay slurs
Mon. October 7, 2013 8:45 AM by OnTopMag.com
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo has offered to help the University of Mississippi to reach out to its athletes on LGBT inclusivity.
Last week, as many as 20 freshman football players reportedly shouted derogatory slurs at actors involved in the staging of The Laramie Project, which is based on the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming.
(Related: Ole Miss officials condemn freshman athletes' gay slurs.)
Ayanbadejo criticized the behavior, calling it "abhorrent and unacceptable."
"I blame the administration as much as I blame the athletes," Ayanbadejo wrote in an op-ed published on Fox Sports. "This is a graphic play and a graphic production. People need to have an idea of what they are getting themselves into."
"[Y]ou need to have a conversation with these athletes when they set foot on any campus as to what is expected from them as representatives of the university."
Ayanbadejo, a member of Athlete Ally, a group that works to end homophobic speech in sports, volunteered to get involved with the school.
"So before Ole Miss is quick to hand down punishment I would like to see them take a more holistic and proactive approach in educating students and student athletes alike.All you have to do is reach out and I will be happy to discuss how I can help you take the next step."
Last week, as many as 20 freshman football players reportedly shouted derogatory slurs at actors involved in the staging of The Laramie Project, which is based on the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming.
(Related: Ole Miss officials condemn freshman athletes' gay slurs.)
Ayanbadejo criticized the behavior, calling it "abhorrent and unacceptable."
"I blame the administration as much as I blame the athletes," Ayanbadejo wrote in an op-ed published on Fox Sports. "This is a graphic play and a graphic production. People need to have an idea of what they are getting themselves into."
"[Y]ou need to have a conversation with these athletes when they set foot on any campus as to what is expected from them as representatives of the university."
Ayanbadejo, a member of Athlete Ally, a group that works to end homophobic speech in sports, volunteered to get involved with the school.
"So before Ole Miss is quick to hand down punishment I would like to see them take a more holistic and proactive approach in educating students and student athletes alike.All you have to do is reach out and I will be happy to discuss how I can help you take the next step."
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine