I hope the day comes, and soon, when this is not a story." -- Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke

[Swede]

I hope that day is soon.

snip-

Just a week before, your older sister, Katie, is the first family member you tell. You had targeted telling your family at Thanksgiving but got salmonella and spent the entire week in the hospital. So you push back your announcement to Christmas.

You are driving home from a family event in Marlboro, Mass., when you decide you want to say it during the car ride. Finally, after a 45-minute ride, you pass the city limits sign of Boston and you know you have to tell Katie. It is incredibly difficult, but your sister is very supportive. Of course she is, you tell yourself, she's Katie. That same night, you tell Molly and your mom. Everyone is great. Mom tells you she isn't surprised and had expected it from the time you were a little kid. Moms.

You tell your brother, Patrick, a day or two later. Patrick turns off the car blaring "The Hold Steady" CD, and you tell him as you are walking out to the car to bring in bags. Patrick, like Dad, never one to be fazed, says something along the lines of, "I love you. This doesn't change anything. Now pick up that suitcase and bring it inside."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=4685761

[Raster]

1. I hope that day is soon also!

:kick:

[Forkboy]

2. I'm a die hard hockey fan and I knew nothing about this.

Good on Brian Burke, though I can't really pick on him with gusto anymore after this. :)

K&R

:kick:

[Barack_America]

6. Yeah, that pretty much sums up my thoughts too.

Glad that family is so supportive of each other, Brian needs it more than Brendan these days with the way the Leafs season has gone thus far.

[SidDithers]

19. Hell, I'm just outside of Toronto, and I knew nothing about it...

I'm still on the fence about Burke as a Leaf GM, and I don't think it's really that much of a plus for him to react the way he did. That's the reaction that every parent should have if they find out their child is gay, so no brownie points. But it's good to know he's not an asshole :)

Sid

[Warren DeMontague]

3. Here's hoping that day comes soon, too.

In the meantime, though, it's a good one. :thumbsup:

[Mojambo]

4. That's one of the best pieces of sports journalism this year.

Wonderful piece.

[JohnnyLib2]

8. +1

[MadMaddie]

10. I agree with you

I was choking up a bit there....

[varelse]

5. Awesome article

thank you for linking it here. I hope more people will get a chance to see this thread and read this piece.

[Nikki Stone1]

7. I rarely, rarely, rarely get moved to tears by anything

This one got me.

K & R

[druidity33]

11. me too...

K&R.

i'm all verklempt...

[Swede]

15. They did an interview on Canadian tv,I'll see if I can find the clip.

The network is TSN.

[maxpower]

9. Great story

Thanks for sharing

Peace,
Max

[dsc]

12. It was a very sweet story

I had to admit I teared up. It brought back some memories for me.

[RufusTFirefly]

13. Wonderful article. K and R n/t

[Telly Savalas]

14. Hey! Something a Leafs fan can be proud of!

That's a great article. Thanks for posting.

[enigmatic]

16. K&R

To say Brian Burke is a little crusty would be a monumental understatment, but he (and Brendon) have my admiration and respect for how they are handling themselves.

[JackDragna]

17. As great as this is, it's a rare thing.

I truly pity the first major athlete who comes out while still playing. I've read interviews with John Amaechi, an NBA player who came out after his career was over, and his opinion was coming out would be career suicide for a pro athlete. I think it has to start young - coaches in school cannot tolerate homophobic actions by children. By the time they get to the pros, it's too late.

[Swede]

20. It's like that kid from the daily show,equality for all should mean just that.

Generationally slow progress is so slow in this fast paced world.

[SidDithers]

18. Highly recommended!...

Thanks for posting.

Sid

[ProfessorGAC]

21. Wow. That Was A Really Good Article

Well done, Mr. Buccigross.
GAC

[Spazito]

22. Excellent article, very moving

Recommended.