Campaigners against homophobia in sport have welcomed the heavy fine levied against New South Wales forward Jacques Potgieter for calling ACT Brumbies players “faggots” in a Super XV match at the weekend.
South African loose forward Potgieter apologized for what he said had been an “offhand” remark made “during a heated encounter” after he was fined A$20,000 (US$15,800), half suspended, by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) on Monday.
Potgieter was also ordered to “undergo additional educational and awareness training” for the breach of the ARU inclusion policy, which took place at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Andrew Purchas, founder of the world’s most successful gay rugby team, Sydney Convicts, applauded the swift action of the ARU and the Waratahs in dealing with the matter.
“It is certainly disappointing that this event occurred at all and it highlights the ongoing need for all sports to be actively engaged in eliminating homophobia,” Purchas said.
Purchas played a leading role last year in coordinating a joint commitment from all major Australian sports, including the ARU, to eliminate homophobia from sport.
The Convicts have also invited Potgieter to train with them.
“We often find that people using this kind of language don’t fully understand the harmful effects it can have on those around them, particularly those struggling to accept their own sexuality,” Convicts president Robert McPherson said. “We would welcome Jacques to come down to meet the boys and hear their stories... He would quickly recognize that being gay has no impact on a person’s ability to play rugby or their passion for the game.”
The ARU took action after former Wallabies and Brumbies skipper David Pocock complained to the referee about the use of homophobic slurs during the match.
“We applaud David Pocock for speaking out when he heard these comments,” Purchas said. “He is a great example for all athletes, coaches and officials. It is critical that people speak up when they hear homophobic comments and make it clear this kind of language is unacceptable.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and