Why does an athlete’s sexual preference matter 36 years after he retires?

Well it shouldn’t… Why does an athlete’s sexual preference matter 36 years after he retires?

Well it shouldn’t matter, but a journalist had the audacity to write a column for a paper that is connected to the Dodgers that humiliated a retired baseball legend that helped pave the way for the Dodgers’ franchise.

Former Dodgers Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax recently severed ties with the Dodgers’ organization because the New York Post ran a “gossip column” that implied that Koufax is secretly gay.

What does the New York Post have to do with the Dodgers? The team is owned by News Corp., which is the same parent company that owns the New York Post.

Koufax has made it perfectly clear that while the team is owned by News Corp., he will not attend spring training, visit Dodger Stadium or participate in activities.

I cannot say that I blame Koufax for feeling this way. Even if he were gay this is an invasion of his private life. Koufax is not blaming the Dodgers, but there is still an affiliation, so it is logical for Koufax to sever all ties. Why would you humiliate a man who has done so much for your organization?

It is shameful that this article was even published. Nobody cared whether or not Koufax was gay when he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, so it shouldn’t be an issue now.

In his brilliant 11-year career, Koufax was a 20-game winner and posted an ERA under two three times. Now some journalist, who must not have had anything better to do, had to dig into a man’s personal life and taint his image.

Let’s face it, there are many who are homophobic and may change their view of a player or person if they are thought to be homosexual.

Look at Mike Piazza; he felt it necessary to call a press conference to clarify his sexuality. There were also rumors swirling about Kordell Stewart’s sexuality.

Why should a man or woman have to give into the media pressuring them about their personal life?

In most cases, a players’ personal life is separate from his on the field activities and that is the way it should be.

Apparently Koufax’s presence at spring training was seen as a benefit to the players. He pitched in four World Series in which the Dodgers won three with their only loss in the World Series during Koufax’s tenure coming at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles in 1966.

Koufax has post-season experience and the Dodgers need all the guidance they can get considering they have not made a World Series appearance since 1988. He knows what it takes to win and has a wealth of knowledge he could pass on to younger players especially pitchers. Now this relationship has been ruined.

The New York Post has apologized to Koufax for the column and is now claiming that the statement about his sexuality was false. Well it is too little and too late. Koufax appears to feel that his name has been dragged through the mud and you have to respect a man’s personal feelings.

Other celebrities may put up with the mudslinging that goes on in tabloids, but Koufax is from the old school. Not everybody will laugh off bogus stories.

Tabloid reporting has no place in sports. An athlete’s, or anyone for that matter, personal business should not ever be the topic of conversation unless they want it to be.

Kevin Nash is a columnist for The Pitt News.