I wrote about the Jackie Robinson movie “42” 17 days ago:
when it comes to social pioneering in sports, youโll soon be hearing a lot of Jackie Robinson comparisons in the media. Thatโs because weโll likely see the first ever openly gay athlete in the four major sports come out within the year. Early word is the NFL will be first, but the NHL may have fostered a more conducive environment. When this guy(s) do/does come out, youโll hear many Jackie Robinson analogies.
I guess I was wrong about the NBA being first with Jason Collins. And it happened much quicker than I thought. However, I was right that it was going to happen soon. I’m not here to analyze other media members usage of Jackie Robinson to Jason Collins analogies. I’ll just give my own.
So here’s why the analogy works:
The social trailblazer aspect; both men are forcing conversation about social change and bringing progress to the locker room. And the locker room is one of the last bastions of the troglodyte in our society. It’s one of the most socially backward places, kind of like a civil/LGBT rights final frontier. Both Jackie Robinson and Jason Collins have made their mark in history. Both opened the door for oppressed minorities. Both inspire future generations to stand up and be brave. Jason Collins and Jackie Robinson both endured hatred and bigotry to kick open doors.
Here’s why the analogy falls off:
Robinson entered MLB during his prime. He was young, but also held back from reaching the league because of his color. He should have entered Major League Baseball at a younger age. He was denied his right to play because of his color. Jason Collins wasn’t denied his right to play. His career is either over or soon will be. Collins breaks the barrier at the end of the line while Robinson broke it at the beginning. It will be interesting to see how NBA teams react to Collins, some will want the publicity and extra media around; others will not.
Jason Collins isn’t very good any more at playing basketball. Just look at his minutes played and low production numbers. Jackie Robinson was good. Really good, as he won the 1947 National League Rookie of the Year. Can Jason Collins still play? Maybe, maybe not. Could Jackie Robinson play at the time? Absolutely. And what really matters isn’t what color or sexual orientation you are, it’s can you play? Can you help the team win and make money? Most importantly, so I’ll ask it again, can you help the team make money?
This is a business.
Jason Collins is doing the media rounds now and all the added press should help bring people to the box office.
To quote “42”
Reporter: “Jackie, is this about politics?”
Robinson: “It’s about getting paid.”
Finally, and most importantly, Collins had the luxury of keeping his sexual orientation covert, Robinson did not have the same choice regarding his race. I know it sounds weird to say that as both men were/are black. But for Robinson, the issue was about black versus white. For Collins it’s about straight versus gay. Robinson wasn’t able to “come out,” it was already there. Not to diminish the achievements and importance of Jason Collins, but the Jackie Robinson moment was bigger.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. Heโs also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on Comcast SportsNet and the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks)
