The NFL shows there’s a lot to gain for sports leagues if they support athletes who come out
Not usually the model for how to handle social issues, the NFL’s support for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib paid big dividends in public perception. What can others learn from their approach?
When Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop made history, becoming the first openly gay active player in the National Hockey League (NHL), the statements of support came swiftly from the 19-year-old’s team and league. Official team Twitter accounts across the NHL expressed welcome and encouragement, collected on the hashtag #HockeyIsForEveryone. Key league executives rallied around Prokop as well, including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and National Hockey League Players’ Association Executive Director Don Fehr, applauding Prokop’s example and bravery.