From the NY Times:
THE way Kevin McClatchy figured it, he had to choose. He could indulge his dream of presiding over a big-time professional sports team, or he could be open about his sexuality. The two paths didn’t dovetail.
Mr. McClatchy was the head of the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He left his role in 2007. That quote is the opening paragraph of the story. What I find so funny is that he now has a partner of four years whom he met through Rick Santorum's office. (I wonder what Ricky thinks of this!)
more below.
McClatchy said that he frequently heard homophobic language during his days in baseball. It convinced him that keeping his sexual orientation hidden was best.
While I am glad he found happiness after he left the game that is what irks me. He found it AFTER he left the game. He could have done all kinds of things with the league office.
McClatchy said, “I’m sure people will criticize me because I came out later, and I should have come out while I was in baseball and in the thick of it.”
YES! However, he does mention he is turning 50 soon and is not going to hide anymore. It is when people have the ability to affect change that I have the biggest problem that they don't.
There is a reason I love OutSports. They have tackled these issues for over a decade. But they are on the outside of the Sports establishment. Mr. McClatchy was on the inside. He was an OWNER. I've talked about the lack of a high profile player coming out while playing. The fear is all about how the locker room will take the news and potential loss of money. Here was a man who could have provided cover from the top.