The worst part of Dolphins’ GM Jeff Ireland’s verbal waterboarding of Dez Bryant wasn’t that he asked if his mom was a prostitute. It was the lame pseudo-apology that followed once the story got out. But as it turns out, there’s a lot going on in those interviews that would both disgust and amuse the casual viewer. Take this one, for instance. Yahoo’s Shutdown Corner has the tale of Geno Atkins, who had a rather interesting interview with an NFL team (he can’t specifically recall which one).
“The only unusual question I got was if I was straight or gay,” said Atkins, a Georgia defensive tackle whose father, Gene, played 10 seasons in the NFL. “And that was about it.”
“‘McDonald’s or Burger King?’ I think ‘pillow or blanket?’ was another one,” Atkins added. “Those were the strange, unusual ones I got. I was like, ‘What does that have to do with football?’ I think they were kind of trying to loosen me up a little bit.”
McDonald’s or Burger King? Judging from the problems a lot of NFL teams have had off the field in recent times, is Big Mac vs. Whopper issue really relevant? “I don’t know Bill. His time in the 40 is good, but he prefers the McRibs.” The idea that any of this minutiae actually matters when it comes to draft day is laughable.
And of course the only correct answer to the gay question is, “No, but we are willing to learn.”
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Some team asked a draft prospect about his sexual orientation [Shutdown Corner]
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- Lori - May 5, 2010 at 2:27 PM
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I think you need to re-read the original article. It never says the *Bengals* asked Atkins if he was gay. Even if they were the ones to select him, they weren’t the only team to interview him before the draft.
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- Jack - May 5, 2010 at 4:25 PM
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Is it legal for a potential employer to ask an candidate about sexual orientation?
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- Drithe - May 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM
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I believe they have a right to ask someone if they are gay in the NFL. Why? Gay men that have thier rectums destroyed over and over again are incredibly WEAKER than straight men whom do not damage their rectum.
You know now that I think about it, they could get around the whole “GAY” issue by just asking, ” Do you involve yourself in sex that involves penitration of your rectum?”
This is a legitimate, yet not very likeable, subject that must be asked and talked about in my opinion. It DOES matter in physical contact sports.
End of Line.
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- TonyJazz - May 5, 2010 at 5:05 PM
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I assume Drithe is joking, as it is hard to believe someone would be that stupid.
Or maybe he needs to be educated on oral sex, or the fact that anal sex requires a penetrative partner?
And where did he see the scientific study about those weaker gay men?
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- NFL Fan - May 5, 2010 at 7:12 PM
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In most parts of the United States it is not illegal to ask that question.
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- Dan Olson - May 5, 2010 at 8:05 PM
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Rick Chandler should be ashamed of himself to resorting to these TMZ tactics. As much as I love the internet, I absolutely hate writers like Rick Chandler, Florio, and the rest for turning true journalism to gossip blogs.
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- riscifiguy - May 5, 2010 at 11:01 PM
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I’d love to see on 300 player reply to the question by tossing Ireland over the desk and proving it!
If they ask an insulting question punch their lights out.
Until they player stand up for their dignity this abouse will continue.
No other employer would even think about it!
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- bubba - May 6, 2010 at 4:24 PM
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BURGER KING!
Home of the whopper.
