Pete Olsen, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law 3L Student, and author of the blog "Wide Rights" has uncovered quite a find in the new NFL collective bargaining agreement. The NFL is the first professional sports league to protect players from any sexual orientation related discrimination (assist PrawfsBlawg).
As Prawfsblawg (emphasis added by author) points out, the language from the 2006 CBA Article VII, Player Security, reads :
As Prawfsblawg (emphasis added by author) points out, the language from the 2006 CBA Article VII, Player Security, reads :
Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.The new language in the 2011 CBA, now moved to Article 49, reads:
Section 1. No Discrimination: There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.Mr. Olsen goes through his theories as to how or why the NFL decided to add it to their CBA. Nonetheless, no matter the reason, the other professional sports leagues who are currently negotiating their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements should, and will likely take notice. It was only last year that NBA Commissioner Stern fined Kobe Bryant for using an audible, homophobic exclamation during a game, and it is not that long ago that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig suspended John Rocker who made a homophobic slur about New York Mets fans to a Sports Illustrated Reporter. It is good to see that mainstream, and mostly heterosexual dominated NFL and other professional sports are taking a stand in favor of equal rights, as it will truly mean that it will get better for all, no matter their race, creed, religion, gender or orientation; I promise.
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