Homophobia hits home
Posted on Sep 11, 2012 in Sports
In retrospect, it’s hard to say exactly who’s responsible for what happened on the Spanish Fort home field this past Labor Day.
The Toros were set to host rival Daphne in an Eastern Shore kickoff game that because of a broadcast opportunity, would play out as a not-so-normal match. The two lucky teams were getting the opportunity to play not only in front of their friends and families but also for anyone who decided to tune into
ESPN on Monday the 3rd.
Students form Spanish Fort High School hodl up a sign containing a homophobic slur. hrc.ort
As is any high school football player’s dream, both Spanish Fort and Daphne eagerly awaited the cameras and scouts that would all come together in the nationally televised showdown.
But it wasn’t just the players who were charged up for the event, students of Spanish Fort knew that this was a fruitful opportunity to show just how much spirit and support they could show for their home team.
Unfortunately amidst all the excitement, some students took the cheers a little too far and caused a loss to the schools respect.
These few but powerful teens resorted to poking some hurtful “fun” at the Daphne team colors displaying a controversial banner which read, “Purple? Man, that’s GAY”. Obviously the sign aroused many officials and viewers who had tuned into ESPN for that afternoons match. Under heavy fire on all sides of the matter, the Spanish Fort school district took a strong stance against the use of the banner. While the students were not punished for the slur, they still received stern warnings from the principal that incidents such as this one would cease.
Although the spirited teens who held the sign are being blamed almost entirely for the matter, it is hard not to wonder whether the way fans present themselves at sporting events reflect the issue of homosexuality in the sports world in general.
David McCaw
Senior Staff Writer
djwppictures.com