So, I Guess an Athlete Being Gay is Still a Big Deal

Jason Collins (left) became the first openly gay NBA player Sunday night, and Michael Sam (right) is the NFL's first openly gay draft prospect.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

The other night Jason Collins became the first openly gay player in NBA history.

Collins, who signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, made his first appearance since "coming out" Sunday, and was as unremarkable on the court as he has been his entire career.

In 11 minutes, he grabbed a pair of rebounds, somehow amassed five fouls, missed his only shot attempt and committed two turnovers. What was remarkable, to some people apparently, was that the ground did not open up and swallow Collins into eternal damnation.

Catching Up With Bob Lobel: A Week of Social Issues in Sports

Join legendary sportscaster Bob Lobel and host Joe Parello as they break down the Michael Sam story. Is it the players, or the league and media that are more concerned about a gay football player?

 And, with all the social issues and tensions, is anybody actually watching the games in Sochi?

Bob Lobel: Why Are We Still Hung Up on Sexuality in Sports?

By Bob Lobel  @boblobel

I have to be missing something here. 

I thought we moved past these discussions years ago.

Apparently not.

The Sochi Olympics Are Going To Be The Worst

In Soviet Russia, bathroom stall share you!

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

Full disclosure, I'm not a huge fan of the Olympics.

It's not that I don't love rooting for the old US-of-A, I do. I get my hopes irrationally high every time America qualifies for the World Cup, and I almost peed my pants when we tied England in 2010.

Take that ya filthy Brits! We don't even care about this sport, and we're equal to you!

What I mostly don't like about the Olympics, is that few of the events are actually sports, and even fewer are team sports. I'm sorry to my wife and every other figure skating/gymnastics/synchronized swimming/snowboard halfpipe/ice dancing/diving fans, but those aren't sports.