"WATCH: NFL Player Helps Bullied Gay Teen Overcome Locker-Room Homophobia"

by **Earl** Tue Feb 11, 2014 7:51 am

I have set up most of the topics of this forum. From time to time, I will also call attention to individual athletes who have clearly manifested compassion with regard to issues that supporters of this website have mentioned. I have chosen to do this simply out of a sense of fairness. I also believe the reports of bullying and rape will carry more credibility if visitors to this website are able to see that most of us view athletes and coaches as individuals. As I've said on previous occasions, my intention is not to contribute to any negative stereotype, but to point out individual instances of injustice that should not be ignored. I will try to be careful to avoid posting fluff pieces whose sole purpose is to promote PR. I will never be a sports fan, and this website will continue to provide a forum for those who have problems with sports. I simply appreciate knowing there are decent athletes who share our values with regard to the way people should be treated. The following story is quite touching. (Incidentally, I'm sure that Samdaman Mad

, the nemesis of Ray's former forum, would not appreciate this story. Smile

)

http://www.advocate.com/youth/no-more-bullying/2014/01/08/watch-nfl-player-helps-bullied-gay-teen-overcome-locker-room

WATCH: NFL Player Helps Bullied Gay Teen Overcome Locker-Room Homophobia

In this inspirational new video, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz helps a gay teen deal with the emotional scars left by years of being bullied in high school locker rooms.

BY JASE PEEPLES JANUARY 08 2014 2:37 PM ET

Victor Cruz, the New York Giants wide receiver, lends his support in helping a gay teen move past the hurtful homophobia and bullying he experienced in high school, in a new public service video from the USA Network.

The video is a part of the network’s Characters Unite series, a public service program dedicated to addressing cultural divides and social injustices.

In the latest inspirational installment, Cruz talks with Joey Kemmerling, a gay 19-year-old who suffered years of torment, especially in the locker room, after he came out in middle school. As Kemmerling recounts his most upsetting memories, Cruz shares his experiences of being bullied in his youth because he is half Puerto Rican and half African-American before taking Kemmerling on a tour of the Giants locker room to help the young man leave his painful past behind.

Though Kemmerling revealed he once contemplated suicide due to the severe the harassment he experienced, he has since become a strong voice in the battle against bullying by launching a youth-led antibullying organization, speaking about his experiences to groups of students, educators, and members of Congress, and becoming active with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.

Kemmerling’s talk and locker room tour with Cruz help give the young man closure on a dark chapter of his life and look to a better future.