Rookie Transition Program elicits 'straight allies' in the NBA to root out homophobia
As an All-American wrestler at the university of Maryland, Hudson Taylor decided to take a stance against homophobia. Many of his friends were gay so, naturally, he wore an LGBT equality sticker on his headgear to affirm his support.
Although he encountered criticism from his wrestling peers, he received thousands of emails from parents and closeted athletes expressing their appreciation for the statement he was making.
"And it just started with a sticker," said Taylor, who coaches at Columbia now after his decorated career at Maryland from 2006-2010.
Taylor is the founder and executive director of Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating homophobia in sports. Taylor joined former NBA player Jason Collins, who became the first openly-gay man to play in the NBA when he came out in 2013, at the NBA's Rookie Transition Program last week. Together, they spoke to freshly-drafted NBA rookies about how powerful their voice can be as a straight ally.
"Jason can relate to them as a former player and speaks about his personal experience, then I get to share why I was part of the problem by using gay slurs before I supported the LGBT community," Taylor said. "In order to get these guys to walk with you, you have to speak to their dominant identity. It's about creating a safe space for them to talk about this. It's not exactly a regular dinner conversation for all of them.
"Straight allies are how you change sports. It's the chicken or the egg. Jason Collins changed people's perception in an impactful way. However, if he had more allies around him perhaps he could have been vocal sooner. It's a challenge because nobody wants to be the outlier, calling someone out for homophobic language."
Collins, in his second summer speaking to NBA rookies, said it's vital for the education process to start early.
"We try to raise awareness on their locker room language and we talk to them about creating an inclusive environment to get the most out of their teammates," Collins said. "I sat in their chair as an NBA player with big hopes and dreams. And I'm definitely speaking from personal experience when I point out the words that cut you as a closeted player in a locker room. The key part is opening it up to them so we're having a conversation about it, not just a presentation."
Another key voice at the Rookie Transition Program is Chris Herren, the former NBA player who struggled with drug abuse as a player and has become a renowned speaker on recovery and preventative measures.
"When I talk to these guys, I let them know I sat in their seat 16 years ago," Herren said. "My message is you've got one shot at this and you don't want to be the one who's looking back wishing you had one more. Along those lines, I help them see there's a way out to whatever they're going through. You don't have to keep putting road blocks up and making life difficult. Some of them might not fully hear what I'm saying now but maybe will down the road."
Herren said he believes players relate to him because he speaks from the heart as "the guy who had a chance and lost it." He said that type of vulnerability and realness is what truly opens the the NBA rookies' ears.
"It's the same for homophobia," Herren said. "If you talk about the pain you felt or caused, it resonates and guys will change. There is no place for that in 2015, disparaging others' race or sexual orientation. Programs like this can bridge the gap and shed light on issues that kids don't normally talk about."
The Rookie Transition Program, which started in 1986, is the longest running support system in professional sports and made up of a series of presentations developed by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to provide its first-year players with the skills and information necessary for a successful transition.
"We've seen the program grow over the years," said NBPA director of player programs Purvis Short. "It's been very impactful for our first-year players and is built to last them throughout their careers. We provide a wealth of information and aren't afraid to tackle difficult issues that need to be addressed. We try to listen to both sides of the communication. You have to listen to what the players are saying. The presentations are not enough. The group discussions and interaction is what helps the players the most."
The Rookie Transition Program wasn't as focused on inclusion during Collins' deeply closeted days.
"It's been tremendous what Jason has brought to the NBA culture," Short said. "He laid the foundation for significant change. Players are always having open conversations with him to better understand his world. It's a wonderful thing to see."
Greg Taylor, NBA senior vice president of player development, said the RTP focuses on four main areas: Money management, healthy relationships, career transition and continuing education.
"The transition from college to the pros is a big step," Taylor said. "Some of these guys are going to face the classic pitfalls. We're always struck by the amount of bad information they get. We try to correct that to help them navigate on this journey."
When it comes to inclusion, Taylor said he doesn't expect every rookie and NBA player to understand or agree with homosexuality.
"We try to create an inclusive, diverse workplace," Taylor said. "With homosexuality, people often fear what they don't know. We try to educate and make it familiar so they process, 'he walks, he breathes, I get it.' But it's equally important for those who don't agree with that choice to feel comfortable. You have to prepare for the full spectrum. We're not saying believe or support one way or the other. But we expect everyone to be allies by being professional. And the locker room, like any job, homophobic language is unacceptable.
"Sports has done a great job of bringing different races, cultures and ethnicity together. Ultimately, it can bring sexual orientation together, too. At the NBA, we're trying to be out front with that."
VIDEO: Examining homophobia in sports