Brendan/Brian Burke

[goblue9280 33]

I know there was a topic started recently (re gay nhl players) that got a bit out of hand and was closed by a mod, so I don't want a replay of that... I'm not starting this to get into an argument over the nature of sexuality.

I read the ESPN story the other day regarding Brendan Burke coming out to his father and was just wondering how it was playing out in Toronto/Canada (I feel isolated from the hockey world down here in Houston)? Has this story changed the public perception of Brian Burke? Any chance Brendan coming out will inspire some retired/current NHLers to come out?

Gotta give a lot of credit to MiamiU, seems to be a really classy program.

[mack 44]

I don't really feel like I'd give credit to Brian Burke for being a dad. To me that's what a parent should do and it's a shame people think that isn't what's expected.

[Chadd 916]

I though Burkie's press release was a bit dick-ish. The part about preferring it to be private seemed a bit wrong to me. It's fine to feel that way, and there is no good reason for this to be a public debate, but you still don't put that on your kid in a press release.

[psh 25]

I though Burkie's press release was a bit dick-ish. The part about preferring it to be private seemed a bit wrong to me. It's fine to feel that way, and there is no good reason for this to be a public debate, but you still don't put that on your kid in a press release.

I had the same reaction when I first read it, but after thinking about it, I think it was really an awkward way of expressing admiration for his son. Saying he wishes his kid didn't have to go through with it this way, but he's proud that he's strong enough to do it and take the heat. I could be wrong, but Brian's behavior since the announcement has all been really classy, even going so far as marching in the Pride parade, etc. He's really putting himself out there for his kid. I've been very surprise, pleasantly so, to see him in that light.

[kosydar 0]

I though Burkie's press release was a bit dick-ish. The part about preferring it to be private seemed a bit wrong to me. It's fine to feel that way, and there is no good reason for this to be a public debate, but you still don't put that on your kid in a press release.

I had the same reaction when I first read it, but after thinking about it, I think it was really an awkward way of expressing admiration for his son. Saying he wishes his kid didn't have to go through with it this way, but he's proud that he's strong enough to do it and take the heat. I could be wrong, but Brian's behavior since the announcement has all been really classy, even going so far as marching in the Pride parade, etc. He's really putting himself out there for his kid. I've been very surprise, pleasantly so, to see him in that light.

That's what I gathered from it it as well. I think he wishes someone else had stepped up first so that Brendan wouldn't have to deal with the hardships of being the first public figure of this sort, but proud of him for doing so.

[westcoastsniper 0]

I also think that Brian Burke thinks its a non-issue, which I do as well. Who gives a shit if he's gay, it doesn't change one thing about him in a professional environment, so in that sense burkie is just pissed off that it has become an airing of private affairs. For all his pomp and circumstance burkie actually seems to be a decent guy, colour me surprised.

[dsjunior1388 81]

A ton of credit is due to Brenden Burke for trying to be hockeys ambassador like this. Let's hope he finds his way to the NHL and opens some doors, breaks down some walls.

A ton of credit is due to Brian Burke for being a good parent. True, it should be a given but so often it's not.

And Buccigross deserves credit too for a well written article. He really is the best Hockey writer ESPN has.

I also think that Brian Burke thinks its a non-issue, which I do as well. Who gives a shit if he's gay, it doesn't change one thing about him in a professional environment, so in that sense burkie is just pissed off that it has become an airing of private affairs. For all his pomp and circumstance burkie actually seems to be a decent guy, colour me surprised.

It should be a non issue, but, for now at least, it's not. Professional and college sports are still far behind the times on most of these social issues, for one of many reasons that I'm not going to get into. The fact of the matter is the gay community is still waiting on their Jackie Robinson to open the door and break the barrier. While players coming forward after they retire is admirable, it barely approaches the impact that will be felt when an active player comes out.

[goblue9280 33]

I don't really feel like I'd give credit to Brian Burke for being a dad. To me that's what a parent should do and it's a shame people think that isn't what's expected.

Completely agree with you here. However, I think for most high profile people in the entertainment/sports world, any story that makes them look more 'human' can change their public perception. We build these people up to be robots so that it's somewhat refreshing to see them lead 'regular joe' lives outside of their public profession.

[goblue9280 33]

The fact of the matter is the gay community is still waiting on their Jackie Robinson to open the door and break the barrier. While players coming forward after they retire is admirable, it barely approaches the impact that will be felt when an active player comes out.

So do you think this story is getting enough attention in the hockey/sports world that it could inspire an active pro to come out?

Not taking anything away from Brendan, but I'm not sure this will impact the hockey world in a way that leads to an NHLer coming out in the near future. I still think (my opinion) the hurdle for a player to overcome is the whole dressing/showering thing. Brendan could remove himself from that situation as a team manager... players wouldn't be able to.

[psh 25]

So do you think this story is getting enough attention in the hockey/sports world that it could inspire an active pro to come out?

You weren't asking me, but I think it's one important step in a much longer walk. I'm sure this has started a lot of important conversations in hotel rooms, locker rooms, and dinner tables all around the NHL and other leagues. I'm very pleased with how much positive attention this story has gotten in the Canadian and US press, too.

[dsjunior1388 81]

The fact of the matter is the gay community is still waiting on their Jackie Robinson to open the door and break the barrier. While players coming forward after they retire is admirable, it barely approaches the impact that will be felt when an active player comes out.

So do you think this story is getting enough attention in the hockey/sports world that it could inspire an active pro to come out?

Not taking anything away from Brendan, but I'm not sure this will impact the hockey world in a way that leads to an NHLer coming out in the near future. I still think (my opinion) the hurdle for a player to overcome is the whole dressing/showering thing. Brendan could remove himself from that situation as a team manager... players wouldn't be able to.

No, I don't see this inspiring a player to do so, but it would help, for sure.

[AdamCV 0]

I think it received the media attention that it deserved. I was more impressed by Brian Burke recentering the focus to the fact that he has a great son who is doing well in the Hockey business and happens to be gay.

All people should be this supportive of these decisions. It doesn't suit us all but it makes someone happy.

Great job Brian

[Steve_v3 289]

Brendan Burke killed in car crash

[Chadd 916]

Brendan Burke killed in car crash

For the first time in a long time, I feel something other than annoyance for Brian Burke. My condolences.

[Law Goalie 147]

I don't know what to say... senseless misfortune.

[K9 Unit 1]

my condolences...

[camhockey16 5]

i guess one positive thing is at least he was on good terms with his dad and knew his family supported him - there are plenty of families that don't end up that way

[Grinder 2]

Thoughts and prayers to the family.

[psh 25]

Not much that can be said. A tragedy. I hope someone has the courage to take up his banner so that this doesn't become doubly tragic as his cause dies with him. He had a rare combination in his high profile, courage, eloquence, and family support.

[farhanshak 1]

RIP Brendan.

sincerest condolences to Brian Burke and his Family.

[psh 25]

THis was one of the statements about Brendan at the funeral:

"Brendan lived in a world without walls, without limits and without boundaries. From birth, he had an unshakable faith that genuine good resides in all people. Along with that faith was hope -- hope that he could bring that good out from inside people and into the world by being open, caring and kind to everyone he met. Looking around this room, it is clear that he was right.

Brendan only had 21 years, but in that time, the sheer power of his love transcended everything. He was the hope of the next generation for the old, a beloved friend and role model to his peers, and a hero to the young. He was the roommate to the musical theatre troop and the teammate of the star athletes. He earned varsity letters and dean's list accolades. He spoke to the heart of an audience of millions, and to the courage of the high school boy who eats alone at lunch every day. He was strong and unyielding in his convictions, but soft, sweet, and gentle in their application. He was the best of the Burkes and the best of the Gilmores. He taught the teachers and he learned from the students. He was the face of a movement and will always be the soul of the family.

To many of us, Brendan's world is a dream world. Brendan had the courage to transcend cynicism and fear and live for 21 glorious years in that dream. His vision of the world was a spark that lit a fire of hope in so many people. That fire has not been extinguished by his passing. His memory will fan the flames of courage in all of us, inspiring us all to be a little kinder, a little stronger, a little better, a little more like Brendan.

Through all of us, his hope still lives and his dream will never die."

We should all hope to inspire such words when our days on earth have run out.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I know as a Habs fan....running the Leafs should make Brian Burke the enemy, but I have a lot of respect for the way he does things:

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Toron...7/13980076.html

[dsjunior1388 81]

USA hockey announces the Brian Burke memorial internship.

http://www.usahockey.com/burkeinternship/d...?NAV=AF&ID=