Player agent calls out Avery for stance on same-sex marriage

[wrangler 157]

It's not misleading. It's just that a vast majority of people are for same sex marriage and equality, thus assume its about him not for it. Also its avery so people already have a negative conception about him.

I hadn't heard that. In fact, I assumed that if it were the case, it would be legal in 50 states, and nowhere near as controversial.

As to Avery, I generally have a negative reaction to public figures in sports/entertainment speaking out on issues, even if I agree with them, as if their opinions matter more than anyone else's. My reaction is probably due in great part to the media treatment of such statements.

[Chadd 916]

I hadn't heard that. In fact, I assumed that if it were the case, it would be legal in 50 states, and nowhere near as controversial.

Let's not get into a political discussion about this. Quick search shows it's roughly 50-50. http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm

[wrangler 157]

Let's not get into a political discussion about this. Quick search shows it's roughly 50-50. http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm

Interesting. As you say, it looks more like a toss-up, but the trend is obvious.

[Jason Harris 31]

....I generally have a negative reaction to public figures in sports/entertainment speaking out on issues....

I know you're not alone in this, but I've never understood that attitude. If we're willing to give our opinions on a message board like this, why shouldn't we be able to express our opinions if we ever became famous? People have a fairly easy solution if they don't agree.....they can disagree. And I don't mean that as facetiously as it sounds. If you don't agree with what an athlete or entertainer says (and, by the way, I would lump most talk radio hosts as entertainers), then there's no harm in not agreeing and going on to the next topic.

[chippa13 1844]

I think the problem is that most said famous people are no smarter than the average joe, many are dumber, but their words tend to carry weight with a lot of people simply because they are famous. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong but most of the time they're annoying.

[Chadd 916]

I know you're not alone in this, but I've never understood that attitude. If we're willing to give our opinions on a message board like this, why shouldn't we be able to express our opinions if we ever became famous? People have a fairly easy solution if they don't agree.....they can disagree. And I don't mean that as facetiously as it sounds. If you don't agree with what an athlete or entertainer says (and, by the way, I would lump most talk radio hosts as entertainers), then there's no harm in not agreeing and going on to the next topic.

I have no issue with guys that have opinions. Those that have agendas and won't stop going on and on about said opinions when their job is to entertain is something else entirely. This goes for both sides, be it Bono or Ted Nugent.

[jds 20]

Bono or Ted Nugent

Now there's a cage match I would want to see.

[Chadd 916]

He is the owner of the agency's son, VP of the biz. Should we take bets on whether dad asks son to leave?

so much for that hope, I'd love to see the NHLPA decertify them for conduct that isn't in the best interest of their players.

[wrangler 157]

I know you're not alone in this, but I've never understood that attitude. If we're willing to give our opinions on a message board like this, why shouldn't we be able to express our opinions if we ever became famous? People have a fairly easy solution if they don't agree.....they can disagree. And I don't mean that as facetiously as it sounds. If you don't agree with what an athlete or entertainer says (and, by the way, I would lump most talk radio hosts as entertainers), then there's no harm in not agreeing and going on to the next topic.

I can't disagree about the right to express an opinion. My negative reaction is mainly to the media attention to such opinions, and when the entertainment/sports figures take it to the media, using their high profile to push their opinions, making it seem as though their opinions have special value because of who they are.

Bono or Ted Nugent

Now there's a cage match I would want to see.

Bono probably wouldn't bring enough gun.

[goblue9280 33]

their words tend to carry weight with a lot of people simply because they are famous. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong but most of the time they're annoying.

Exactly, the issue isn't with the celebrities expressing their opinions... but rather with the large percentage of idiots who adopt the celebrity's position rather than thinking for themselves.

My negative reaction is mainly to the media attention to such opinions, and when the entertainment/sports figures take it to the media, using their high profile to push their opinions, making it seem as though their opinions have special value because of who they are.

Again, I think the blame falls on the masses who put these celebrity positions up on a pedestal. The media is simply giving the people what they want as they are obviously more concerned with numbers... evidenced by the fact that opinionated celebrity blowhards have now become the 21st century newscasters.

[shotty 7]

its about raising awareness. getting a celebrity to back a cause or product or event or what have you will always have a greater impact. as much as you may dislike that celebrities are placed upon a pedestal, it works in effectively sending a message.

western civilization is obsessed with the perception of the rich and famous lifestyle, "the american dream"... celebrities embody this.

[wrangler 157]

Exactly, the issue isn't with the celebrities expressing their opinions... but rather with the large percentage of idiots who adopt the celebrity's position rather than thinking for themselves.

Again, I think the blame falls on the masses who put these celebrity positions up on a pedestal. The media is simply giving the people what they want as they are obviously more concerned with numbers... evidenced by the fact that opinionated celebrity blowhards have now become the 21st century newscasters.

There's a bit of the "chicken or the egg" deal here. More people pay attention because more media focus gives people the impression that there's something important about these opinions. And there's more media play because there are people interested in "celebrity" anything.

Remember the riots after the Rodney King verdict, and how astonished some of the media types seemed to be, that they were part of the cause, the way they played up the possibility of riots while the jury was still out? Sure, there were already bad feelings and inclinations out there, but the media may have fanned sparks into a forest fire.

I think the media are motivated not only by what they think people want to see and hear, but also by what they think they can get people to want to see and hear.

its about raising awareness. getting a celebrity to back a cause or product or event or what have you will always have a greater impact. as much as you may dislike that celebrities are placed upon a pedestal, it works in effectively sending a message.

western civilization is obsessed with the perception of the rich and famous lifestyle, "the american dream"... celebrities embody this.

Yes, and that's what I have a problem with, and a reason I usually react negatively.

[Travimo 0]

I was also expecting something entirely diiferent when I read the title. Lol. Good on Avery though (and biz), nice to see someone stand by what they believe in. Especially because he is a professional athlete, whom kids may look up to.

[gxc999 7]

Wrangler's made some solid points about celebrities speaking out and how the media fans the flames. It's embarrassing how the #1 aspiration of so many young people in America is merely to "get on TV and be famous". Is it any wonder that so many mindless drones repeat what they hear on television?

Back on topic for a moment, Avery was speaking out personally. He didn't represent anyone else but the Agent who made the comments certainly did and therein lies the problem. When you're in such a position, you should avoid publicly making any statements that can be construed as political, unless you intend them to officially represent you and your clients. It's lawyering/agenting/common sense. Obviously, I don't want the guy run out of town or put out of business, because that's a bit much, but he needs to learn proper behavior, regardless of where his opinion falls.

[MLSman 22]

Kudos to Avery...finally using his mouth for something positive.

I still think my favorite explanation of my opinion on the issue is "what's wrong with gay marriage? They have the right to be as miserable as everyone else!"

[mug25 2]

Even if he's "right" — I'm pretty sure if it didn't bring attention to himself, Avery wouldn't have said a word on the matter.

[hunterphfr 12]

Even if he's "right" — I'm pretty sure if it didn't bring attention to himself, Avery wouldn't have said a word on the matter.

I'm pretty sure Avery is one of those guys that believes that there is no such thing as bad publicity. I'm pretty sure almost every one of us came to this forum expecting to hear a John Rocker type of quote and watch Averys' feet get held to the fire of public opinion yet again. Think of all the controversy that we see generated by athletes and the choice (often a poor choice) of words they use to express themselves and/or their opinions. I will agree that it's not like Avery has ever walked past an extended microphone or tv camera. But when was the last time you heard an active player of any of the major team sports at the proffessional, semi-proffessional or even collegiate level come out and openly support anything to do with homosexuality, much less gay marriage? I personally think it took courage and some risk to make such a statement. I'm no fan of Avery's, but he's stepped into a spotlight that the so called role model athletes have chosen not to. Even though we all know Avery couldn't care less what the majority of people think of him, I think it took some pretty big cojones to take the stance he did.

It's probably the first decent thing he's done since junior high, give the guy a little credit.

[shotty 7]

he is active (professionally and casually) in other industries completely unrelated to pro sports... communities that are very accepting of homosexuality, so it doesn't surprise me one bit. the entire campaign is driven by new york based celebrities. because this message came from an unlikely industry -- it's newsworthy, and that his bonehead agent spoke up against it blew it up even more. the fact that he can get the message out to a very large group of people, that likely wouldn't even know of the cause, is valuable in many many ways... and this is when having a celebrity back a cause can be beneficial for all.