Former Nebraska Kicker Says He Was Openly Gay, Loved By Teammates

[TAKODA]

 

There's a difference between comparing and equating that I don't think you understand. He is not saying they are the same thing - he is saying people are people and he doesn't differentiate.

 

Don't mistake the articles words for mine. I'm focusing on this part:

 

"You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin."

 

 

And what, exactly, is wrong with this?

 

Every single person that has ever lived on this planet has done so with the mentality of hoping and wanting the best for the people they care about. If you think living for Jesus is best, you're going to live your life hoping people get to that point, and it is going to influence your actions explicitly and implicitly. It's no different than if you think living tolerant of everyone's personal decisions is best in life, or if you think making a lot of money is best in life, or if you think getting married and starting a family is best in life, etc.

 

Your values affect your relationships. This is true of everyone in every walk of life.

 

 

Wise words Landlord! Again +1

[74Hunter]

 

There's a difference between comparing and equating that I don't think you understand. He is not saying they are the same thing - he is saying people are people and he doesn't differentiate.

 

Don't mistake the article's words for mine. I'm focusing on this part:

 

"You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin."

If you are focusing on (and not understanding) that part, then obviously you have never closely personally known anyone who is gay.

 

But thank you for interjecting insincere and dishonest political talking points into this discussion.

[Junior]

 

There's a difference between comparing and equating that I don't think you understand. He is not saying they are the same thing - he is saying people are people and he doesn't differentiate.

 

Don't mistake the articles words for mine. I'm focusing on this part:

 

"You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin."

 

 

And what, exactly, is wrong with this?

 

Every single person that has ever lived on this planet has done so with the mentality of hoping and wanting the best for the people they care about. If you think living for Jesus is best, you're going to live your life hoping people get to that point, and it is going to influence your actions explicitly and implicitly. It's no different than if you think living tolerant of everyone's personal decisions is best in life, or if you think making a lot of money is best in life, or if you think getting married and starting a family is best in life, etc.

 

Your values affect your relationships. This is true of everyone in every walk of life.

 

What is wrong is that he is implying they need to be changed. He'll show them Jesus Christ so they understand they are sinners and won't be gay anymore. Just like you'd counsel an alcoholic to see Jesus Christ and change. Since JJHusker felt that Ron Brown wouldn't make gay athletes feel uncomfortable, and my argument is that he would... tell me how I'm wrong. Do you think counseling gay athletes to understand that their gayness is a sin makes them feel good about themselves or comfortable with a such prominent figure in the athletic department?

[Junior]

If you are focusing on (and not understanding) that part, then obviously you have never closely personally known anyone who is gay.

 

But thank you for interjecting insincere and dishonest political talking points into this discussion.

 

Clearly my college roommate wasn't gay. I'll have to tell him you said so.

 

Insincere and dishonest political talking points? Insincere would imply that I don't actually believe what I am saying. But I do, so.... not insincere. Dishonest... how?

[Landlord]

What is wrong is that he is implying they need to be changed. He'll show them Jesus Christ so they understand they are sinners and won't be gay anymore. Just like you'd counsel an alcoholic to see Jesus Christ and change. Since JJHusker felt that Ron Brown wouldn't make gay athletes feel uncomfortable, and my argument is that he would... tell me how I'm wrong. Do you think counseling gay athletes to understand that their gayness is a sin makes them feel good about themselves or comfortable with a such prominent figure in the athletic department?

 

 

Well first of all I hope you are realize that you are inferring, interpreting, and expounding on things that he never actually said. So at least do me the favor of realizing there's a chance you might be mistaken in your exegesis of one sentence removed from context.

 

Anyways, the point you're missing is that Ron Brown believe all people need to change. You, not Coach Brown, are the one that is focusing on homosexuals. So yes, he believes they need to change from their lifestyle, but he also believes the heterosexuals need to change from their lifestyles. He also believes the All-Americans, the 4.0 GPA kids, even the role models, the community service award winners, the homecoming kings and the letterwinners need to change because they all are sinners that are in need of the redemption offered by Christ.

 

If Coach Brown would make gays uncomfortable, then he would make any player with any identity uncomfortable, as he sees all people the same; desperate for a savior. But we know that isn't the case. We know that no former player has ever had anything negative to say about the man.

 

This isn't any more apparent than Ameer Abdullah. Ameer is a practicing, serious, and devout Muslim and Ron Brown is his position coach. Ameer LOVES Coach Brown. Raves about him. Raves about his coach that thinks he is believing in a lie and hellbound if he doesn't repent and accept Jesus as savior. Why? Because Coach Brown loves him. And treats him with the same love that he treats everyone.

[Enhance]

Interesting that the team and media chose to keep this in the closet even though the player was openly gay. Does this perhaps say something about the tolerance for this in the state of Nebraska being less than we thought it was? LINK

I think it's one of those things that if you keep it within the team, then it never becomes a distraction for the fan base and media. I'm sure there were some people on the team that weren't OK with it, but I'm glad to hear the overall team supported him. As for people in the state, my perception is that a lot of people here are still anti-gay rights and don't like homosexuals. Larger communities like Omaha and Lincoln tend to be more supportive; though, I know for sure a lot of state representatives from smaller communities are against gay rights and say their constituents are as well.

[Junior]

What is wrong is that he is implying they need to be changed. He'll show them Jesus Christ so they understand they are sinners and won't be gay anymore. Just like you'd counsel an alcoholic to see Jesus Christ and change. Since JJHusker felt that Ron Brown wouldn't make gay athletes feel uncomfortable, and my argument is that he would... tell me how I'm wrong. Do you think counseling gay athletes to understand that their gayness is a sin makes them feel good about themselves or comfortable with a such prominent figure in the athletic department?

 

 

Well first of all I hope you are realize that you are inferring, interpreting, and expounding on things that he never actually said. So at least do me the favor of realizing there's a chance you might be mistaken in your exegesis of one sentence removed from context.

 

Anyways, the point you're missing is that Ron Brown believe all people need to change. You, not Coach Brown, are the one that is focusing on homosexuals. So yes, he believes they need to change from their lifestyle, but he also believes the heterosexuals need to change from their lifestyles. He also believes the All-Americans, the 4.0 GPA kids, even the role models, the community service award winners, the homecoming kings and the letterwinners need to change because they all are sinners that are in need of the redemption offered by Christ.

 

If Coach Brown would make gays uncomfortable, then he would make any player with any identity uncomfortable, as he sees all people the same; desperate for a savior. But we know that isn't the case. We know that no former player has ever had anything negative to say about the man.

 

This isn't any more apparent than Ameer Abdullah. Ameer is a practicing, serious, and devout Muslim and Ron Brown is his position coach. Ameer LOVES Coach Brown. Raves about him. Raves about his coach that thinks he is believing in a lie and hellbound if he doesn't repent and accept Jesus as savior. Why? Because Coach Brown loves him. And treats him with the same love that he treats everyone.

 

Coach Brown, not I, said: "You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin."

 

He's focusing on homosexuality here, not me. I didn't give a quote on homosexuality to a reporter. If you could, tell me what he means by "put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ", if not that he would try to help the player to change their lifestyle through religion?

 

Here's the thing, I've not said Ron Brown isn't a good person. I think you are getting tied up arguing something that I've never said. He may be the best person, and a true Christian that loves everyone. But, you could understand how a gay person might be uncomfortable around him. Because they know two things that are absolute truth: He's actively campaigned for the legal discrimination of homosexuals in the workplace, and he believes being gay to be a sin that you can change if you counsel the sinner with religion. Those are his words, and despite what you claim, they really aren't out of context. But if you want the whole quote, here it is:

 

http://archives.fca....9E7CA819DE1EF2B

 

Why are Christians often viewed as being judgmental for not supporting homosexuality?

This particular sin has become very heavily endorsed publicly. The public has embraced this particular sin and has generally said that it’s something we should support; that we think it’s an okay lifestyle. So when you attack it biblically you’re going to get criticized.

 

 

 

We’ve got to remember that [Christians] are playing an away game here on earth. Our home is heaven and the Bible is a book from heaven. So what we’re doing is we’re taking Christ’s message that is opposed to this world, and we’re speaking it in the pubic square. We’ve got to expect to get booed. And yet we’re called to take the dominant influence of Jesus Christ and permeate it throughout the culture and honor and reflect the truth of Jesus Christ. That’s got to be our response. We’re not to hide; as Jesus said, we’re to shine our light in the midst of darkness.

 

 

 

How should Christians respond to a homosexual teammate or player in the same locker room? I think Christians should love a homosexual teammate just like they would any other teammate. Let me tell you what else is in that locker room. There are thieves, liars, people who lust, people addicted to pornography, even some players who are alcoholics. There are all kinds of sinners in that locker room. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Everybody in that locker room needs Jesus Christ, including that person who is living a gay lifestyle.

 

 

 

If you open the inside of every single person on the face of the earth, Christian or non-Christian, the heart would look pretty ugly. The only thing that really separates the two is that one group of people have decided to do their own thing and make up their own rules, and the other one has submitted to God’s plan. God came to the cross and died for our sins so that we can receive forgiveness, not because of what we deserve, not because of anything that we did, but because of what Christ did. That’s the only difference between Christians and non-Christians.

 

 

 

When you love God, it means you must love your neighbor as well. You don’t deny the truth, but in love and sensitivity you put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin.

 

What specific Bible verse would you suggest to anyone struggling with homosexuality?

Mathew 11:28-13 says, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yolk is easy and my burden is light.”

 

 

 

When you’re soul is not at rest, when you feel pain in your heart and when you’re running from God, this portion of scripture can be a source of comfort to any human being.

 

 

So, if you are gay, do you want to come out to Ron Brown and listen to him "put his arms around" you and help you "walk to the truth of Jesus Christ"?

[Landlord]

He's focusing on homosexuality here, not me. I didn't give a quote on homosexuality to a reporter. If you could, tell me what he means by "put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ", if not that he would try to help the player to change their lifestyle through religion?

 

I mean, sure, when he's in an environment focused and centered on the topic, he's focusing on that topic. I was more referring to his quote expounding and equating all of his players being the same - big picture, overall, in life.

 

 

So, if you are gay, do you want to come out to Ron Brown and listen to him "put his arms around" you and help you "walk to the truth of Jesus Christ"?

 

I don't know man. Ask Ameer Abdullah. He's not gay, but he's actively and deliberately living a life that is just as incompatible with Coach Brown's beliefs. Doesn't seem to have any issues with it at all - just the opposite, in fact.

 

 

And just for the record I disagree with Coach Brown's lobbying re: legal protection or lack thereof for homosexuals.

[Junior]

He's focusing on homosexuality here, not me. I didn't give a quote on homosexuality to a reporter. If you could, tell me what he means by "put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ", if not that he would try to help the player to change their lifestyle through religion?

 

I mean, sure, when he's in an environment focused and centered on the topic, he's focusing on that topic. I was more referring to his quote expounding and equating all of his players being the same - big picture, overall, in life.

 

 

So, if you are gay, do you want to come out to Ron Brown and listen to him "put his arms around" you and help you "walk to the truth of Jesus Christ"?

 

I don't know man. Ask Ameer Abdullah. He's not gay, but he's actively and deliberately living a life that is just as incompatible with Coach Brown's beliefs. Doesn't seem to have any issues with it at all - just the opposite, in fact.

 

 

And just for the record I disagree with Coach Brown's lobbying re: legal protection or lack thereof for homosexuals.

 

Not saying that this is true, but what is Ameer going to say? "I hate Coach Brown and his religion"??

[Landlord]

 

Not saying that this is true, but what is Ameer going to say? "I hate Coach Brown and his religion"??

 

 

This article is from Ameer's freshman season. The relationship has only grown closer since then:

 

 

 

Chatelain: Cutting across the boundary of religion

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110915/HUSKERS/709159709/1001

 

Come summer, they got to know each other better. Ameer stopped by Brown's office at the Osborne Complex to chat and to watch film.

 

They didn't discuss differences in Christianity and Islam. (They still haven't.) But they developed a bond. They shared a value system.

 

In Brown, Ameer saw a man who doesn't compromise beliefs. Demanding but compassionate.

 

Ameer may break a 90-yard run in practice, he says, but Brown tells him he didn't tuck the ball correctly.

 

"He reminds me so much of my father."

 

In Ameer, Brown saw a kid firm in his convictions. Confident but humble.

 

"Sometimes I like to go to freshmen and put my arm around them, just to touch them. Let them know there's power in touch," Brown said. "He does that to me. He's always coming up and putting his arm around me.

 

"There's a warmth and love about him."

 

A few weeks ago, a friend of Ameer's died. Brown knew something was wrong. He didn't know what. Did he say something wrong?

 

Finally, Ameer stopped by his office and revealed his pain. Brown consoled him. Told him God had a plan. After that, Ameer said, he felt better.

 

"I knew I could just come to him and everything's going to be OK."

[husker_99]

but he should have at the very least told his parents before he told the world.

 

 

Have you read that his parents didn't know? Because his entire football team in college knew.

he told his team in college and his parents just guessed but his dad learned after he came out publicly.

 

"Sam revealed to his Missouri teammates he is gay last August, but he didn't disclose his sexual orientation to his parents until last week. He said Sunday in interviews with ESPN's "Outside The Lines" and The New York Times that he is gay."

 

http://espn.go.com/n...ng-news-son-gay

[74Hunter]

If you are focusing on (and not understanding) that part, then obviously you have never closely personally known anyone who is gay.

 

But thank you for interjecting insincere and dishonest political talking points into this discussion.

 

Clearly my college roommate wasn't gay. I'll have to tell him you said so.

 

Insincere and dishonest political talking points? Insincere would imply that I don't actually believe what I am saying. But I do, so.... not insincere. Dishonest... how?

Intellectually dishonest. By stating that because RB and many Christians feel that homosexuality is a sin, that they hate gays or are bigots. That is a flat out lie perpetrated by those with a political agenda.

 

I find it funny that those who sit on their high horse and pretend to preach tolerance are the first to call names and falsely pigeon hole people that don't think or feel exactly as they do. They are the epitome of a hypocrite.

[sd'sker]

Intellectually dishonest. By stating that because RB and many Christians feel that homosexuality is a sin, that they hate gays or are bigots. That is a flat out lie perpetrated by those with a political agenda.

 

I find it funny that those who sit on their high horse and pretend to preach tolerance are the first to call names and falsely pigeon hole people that don't think or feel exactly as they do. They are the epitome of a hypocrite.

i think the argument is whether or not a homosexual player would feel comfortable with coach brown. given what he has said, it is not unreasonable to think they might not. where is the character assassination of coach brown you claim? junior is not saying he is a bigot or even hates gays, that is all projection from you. this is all about how the homosexual player may feel around a coach who has said and believes what coach brown has said and what he believes.

[74Hunter]

 

There's a difference between comparing and equating that I don't think you understand. He is not saying they are the same thing - he is saying people are people and he doesn't differentiate.

 

Don't mistake the articles words for mine. I'm focusing on this part:

 

"You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin."

 

 

And what, exactly, is wrong with this?

 

Every single person that has ever lived on this planet has done so with the mentality of hoping and wanting the best for the people they care about. If you think living for Jesus is best, you're going to live your life hoping people get to that point, and it is going to influence your actions explicitly and implicitly. It's no different than if you think living tolerant of everyone's personal decisions is best in life, or if you think making a lot of money is best in life, or if you think getting married and starting a family is best in life, etc.

 

Your values affect your relationships. This is true of everyone in every walk of life.

 

What is wrong is that he is implying they need to be changed. He'll show them Jesus Christ so they understand they are sinners and won't be gay anymore. Just like you'd counsel an alcoholic to see Jesus Christ and change. Since JJHusker felt that Ron Brown wouldn't make gay athletes feel uncomfortable, and my argument is that he would... tell me how I'm wrong. Do you think counseling gay athletes to understand that their gayness is a sin makes them feel good about themselves or comfortable with a such prominent figure in the athletic department?

I guess I didn't read that anywhere, nor an I going to assume what he meant. Intellectually dishonest indeed.

[knapplc]

Intellectually dishonest indeed.

 

You cannot read the statement, "You put your arms around that person struggling with homosexuality and you help walk him or her to the truth of Jesus Christ, just as you would any other player involved in any other sin" and not see that Junior's interpretation is wholly accurate. This is exactly what Coach Brown meant. This "intellectually dishonest" thing is silly. Point the thumb with that.