Als’ Bruce tackles runaway damage
Comments telling gay NFL hopeful to ‘submit to God’ haunt receiver
As he continues to do damage control following his inappropriate comments on social media, Alouettes receiver Arland Bruce maintained he wasn’t condemning Michael Sam and didn’t realize the repercussions that would result from his inappropriate comments on social media.
“This is my view. I’m not condemning or judging anybody that’s like this,” Bruce told The Gazette by telephone Wednesday from Vancouver, one of his off-season residences. “I thought we were in a world where you could have freedom of speech.
“I don’t have a great track record,” added Bruce, a 12-year Canadian Football League veteran who has frequently spoken his mind and is no stranger to controversy. “I can’t judge anybody.”
Bruce has been backtracking and attempting to distance himself, somewhat, from homophobic comments posted Monday night against Missouri defensive-end Sam, an NFL prospect for this year’s draft who declared to being openly gay.
Bruce misspelled the word “gay” in his message, which urged Sam to “man up” and get on his knees and “submit to God fully.” Bruce used other crude, lascivious and vulgar language that some people would find inappropriate.
Coincidentally, Bruce wasn’t the only CFL player who used social media to post an opinion. He was joined by Winnipeg defensive-tackle Bryant Turner.
On Tuesday, the CFL announced it was fining both Bruce and Turner undisclosed amounts. The Als issued a statement later that day in which the organization, through general man- ager and head coach Jim Popp, denounced Bruce’s “regrettable comments.”
Neither Bruce nor Turner are getting any sympathy from the CFL players’ association, either. On Tuesday, president Mike Morreale issued a release stating the CFLPA in no way endorses the “unfortunate comments” made by the two players. “Those comments do not reflect the beliefs of the CFLPA, nor of the vast majority of its members.”
Shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday, Bruce issued a personal statement of apology, which he sent to selected members of the media. “It’s not my business nor my right to comment on his sexual orientation,” Bruce wrote. “My comment … was inappropriate and disrespectful and I apologize for the lack of discretion.”
Bruce went on to apologize to the Als, CFL, CFLPA, NFL, NFLPA and football fans, saying “it was not my intent to negatively affect anyone.” Bruce stated he’d welcome Sam on his team and has no ulterior motive toward anyone who’s gay. Bruce has a half-brother and former brother-in-law who are gay.
Coincidentally, at the bottom of the statement, Bruce’s agent, Mark S. Gundry, also stated he and his company, Mischief Sports, don’t condone the comments, nor does Gundry’s firm discriminate against race, gender or religion.
Bruce even has publicly posted his number on Twitter, in case anyone wants to reach out to him.
“I didn’t say me and the Als and the CFL. This was me, trying to reach out to this brother as if I knew him, which was wrong,” Bruce said. “Me being a pro athlete … I know what it’s like to be in the locker room. In the NFL, people are not accepting that. That’s coming from a person who has played and been in the locker room.”
Bruce has been part of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, playing two games for the latter in 2003, after spending two seasons with the Blue Bombers. He also has played for Toronto, Hamilton and British Columbia, occasionally wearing out his welcome with an organization. The Als signed him as a free agent in January 2013.
Sam, the Southeastern Conference co-defensive player of the year last season, is projected to be drafted anywhere from the third-round this April. If so, he would become the first openly gay player in NFL history.
The NFL has publicly pledged its support. But a Sports Illustrated article published after Sam’s proclamation anonymously quoted several NFL GMs suggesting there was mixed support behind drafting a gay player.
Although it’s believed Sam isn’t on any CFL team’s negotiation list, Popp said he’s a great player who would be welcome on the Als.
“I personally have great respect for a guy like him, to have the confidence to go out in public and talk about his sexual orientation,” Popp said.
“The truth is, Michael Sam isn’t the first gay football player,” Popp added. “Many locker rooms are full of athletes that have known this for years and are very openminded to it.”
As for Turner, he apologized in a series of tweets, calling his post “inappropriate and insensitive.” Winnipeg president Wade Miller and GM Kyle Walters have spoken to him. The organization issued a statement in which it said it was “unfortunate” Turner used social media to make his comments.
The future of both players is yet to be determined. Bruce remains under contract to Montreal. Although he’s 36, he’s coming off a reasonable season, having caught 64 passes for 851 yards while scoring five touchdowns in 18 games. He produced two games of more than 100 yards.
Popp has reached out to Bruce but hasn’t succeeded in discussing the matter. He said he has addressed the issue with Bruce’s agent and business manager. With the CFL in the midst of free agency, Popp said the Als, as an organization, must determine its next move.
“At this point, we’re reflecting on what further action, if any, is to be taken,” president Mark Weightman said. “We want to make sure we’re not going to make a knee-jerk reaction here. We’ll take the time needed to respond accordingly to this unfortunate situation.”
Should Bruce be released for what he believes to be a non-performance issue, he didn’t dismiss filing a grievance with the CFLPA, although his complaint could fall on deaf ears. “I just hope it doesn’t come to that,” he said.
“The only thing I regret is the way I worded it and using derogatory comments,” Bruce added. “I apologize for coming at you like that.”