Because soccer isn't gay, but once in awhile it kinda is.
Houston Dynamo
A Roundup of Colin Clark Posts and Opinions
03/26/12
Here’s some notable coverage of Colin Clark’s use of an anti-gay slur from over the weekend and today:
The Washington Post: “The MLS should come down hard on Clark — both for his words, and for the ball boy at whom he directed them. Regardless of whether they came ‘in the heat of the moment,’ the incident provided a jarring reminder that discrimination and homophobia persist in professional sports, and more must be done to eliminate discrimination in athletic competition.”
Philadelphia Daily News: “When Garber and MLS complete their investigation into the matter, and it shouldn’t take long given the clarity of the audio on the broadcast, Clark needs to be whacked, not just slapped on the wrist.”
The Seattle Times: “NBC Sports producers didn’t catch Clark’s slur on the live broadcast and would’ve issued an on-air apology had they heard it, according to a spokesman.”
A Call for Patience
03/26/12
Since Colin Clark’s use of an anti-gay slur against a ball boy at Friday night’s Seattle vs. Houston game, I’ve been following Twitter searches about the incident and comment sections of web stories about it.
There are a few things I’ve seen I want to address in a few posts.
First is the notion that MLS is “dragging their heels” or “trying to sweep the incident under the rug.” These feelings have been exacerbated by one of the videos of the incident being removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim by MLS.
What some see as slow I personally see as deliberative. I see MLS giving their ultimate response and consequence for Clark the consideration a reaction to an incident of this gravity deserves. Also, the Houston Dyanamo have two weeks without playing a game, so any suspension wouldn’t take effect until mid-April.
While patient now, my patience isn’t everlasting and hope to have MLS’ disciplinary decision soon so we can work to make sure this is the last incident like this we see in the league we love.
What do you think?
Houston Dynamo Statement Regarding Colin Clark
03/24/12
We received this statement from the Houston Dynamo staff regarding Colin Clark’s behavior last night:
We are aware of the incident involving Colin Clark during the Seattle match. Colin is very remorseful for his actions, which were inappropriate and do not represent his true character. He has issued a public apology and he will personally apologize to the ball boy. The League is reviewing the situation to determine disciplinary measures. Colin and the club will be fully cooperative in the process.
MLS Statement Regarding Colin Clark
03/24/12
We received this statement when reaching out to MLS and the Houston Dynamo. We will continue to update as things progress.
We are aware of the incident involving Houston Dynamo midfielder Colin Clark during the game in Seattle Friday night, and his public apology for it. MLS is conducting a thorough review of the facts and examining possible disciplinary action
MLSSoccer.com’s own reporting on the incident is here.
Colin Clark’s Anti-Gay Outburst
03/24/12
Early in last night’s game between the Houston Dynamo and the Seattle Sounders, Houston midfielder Colin Clark used an anti-gay slur reportedly directed at a ball boy that was caught on a sideline microphone.
Multiple YouTube users captured video of the incident, and it has been reported on by The Seattle Times and ESPN.com.
Clark took to Twitter early this morning to issue an apology:
I’d like to offer a sincere apology to everyone who watched the game, especially the ball boy for whom I used awful language towards.
— Colin Clark (@cOlin_cLark7) March 24, 2012
I didn’t mean to disrespect anyone and am sorry for letting my emotions get the best of me. It’s not who I am and it won’t happen again.
— Colin Clark (@cOlin_cLark7) March 24, 2012
@gay4soccerI’m very sorry for my actions tonight and I would love for you to consider me a #soccerally moving forward
— Colin Clark (@cOlin_cLark7) March 24, 2012
We take Clark’s apology to be genuine, but would also like to talk to him further about this matter. One cannot understate the severity of this matter, considering the target of the slur was a youth and it all happened on a nationally televised broadcast.
We have yet to see statements from MLS or the Houston Dynamo about this matter, but we are reaching out to them.
Dynamo Win Again and Make Big Plans for BBVA Compass Stadium
03/21/12
rendering by HoustonDynamo.com
It has been a good week in the world of the Houston Dynamo. The men in orange won their second game on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes, fans got a new look inside the stadium and the club announced that they are expecting another sell out at BBVA Compass Stadium for the May 15th game when the Dynamo take on the Portland Timbers.
Fans can also register for the annual Go for Goal 5K. This 5K is headed up by assistant coach and former player Wade Barrett. Word has it that last year’s run had some pretty hilarious moments and I will be running the 5K this year in the hope that there will be similar antics. It is scheduled for May 6th as a part of events leading up to the Dynamo’s sold out home opener on May 12th.
Houston Dynamo Win on the Road and Prepare for New Home
03/13/12
The Houston Dynamo captured a big win against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center this weekend. The Dynamo, who made it all the way to the MLS Cup Finals last season, have not won their first game of the season since 2006.
It looked like the Dynamo would walk away scoreless in their first regular season match of 2012 when the game remained scoreless at the end of 90 minutes. It was Andre Hainault who notched the game winner in stoppage time to help the Dynamo walk away with three points. Hainault, who was married last November (boo!), is no stranger to scoring goals. Hainault scored three goals last season, with two of those goals coming in the Dynamo’s post season playoff run.
Texian Army Statement Reveals New Details on Dynamo Supporters Groups Bans
03/02/12
The Texian Army has released a statement in regards to the recent sanctions against Dynamo Supporters Groups. Before I get to the issues that they have addressed within their statement, I would like to applaud the Texian Army for putting together such a poignant and well worded statement. Their words come in stark contrast to those of Miguel Sada, a co-founder of El Batallon, who seemed to have spoken too quickly and with too much anger. It is clear that the Texian Army work diligently to provide a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere at Dynamo games. I truly hope that Major League Soccer takes notice of their wonderful statement and reinstates Supporters exemptions as soon as possible.
The group addresses some key issues that have thus far been left unanswered. On Monday rumors of full and half season bans began spreading like wildfire throughout the Dynamo fan community. The Texian Army have confirmed these rumors.
Fans React to Dynamo Supporters Groups Sanctions
03/01/12
The sanctions against the Dynamo Supporters Groups announced on Monday have been widely speculated about throughout the soccer community. I’d like to take a brief moment to introduce the Dynamo Supporters Groups in an effort to bring more understanding to the debate. The Dynamo have four major Supporters Groups: The Texian Army, El Batallon, La Bateria and Brickwall. Each group is unique, yet they all come together on game days and lead chants throughout the stadium. The sanctions affect all four of these groups.
Many of the chants lead by the Supporters Groups include profanity. Miguel Sada, the same Supporters Group leader that announced the sanctions on Monday, defended those chants and other unsafe practices by stating on his Twitter:
@OrtizKicks Flares, Bombs, Chants are part of Futbol culture, there’s baseball for ppl that like silence, nachos and a good nap.
— Miguel Sada (@miguelsada19) February 28, 2012
For Groups who are attempting to get their exemptions back, Sada’s words come across as unaffected, rude and careless.
VIDEO: Houston Supporters at the MLS Cup
02/29/12
Ayla reported Monday on restrictions placed on travelling Houston Dynamo supporters in the wake of incidents of bad behavior on a few occasions during the 2011 season.
We will have more from Ayla and the Houston perspective as she puts some thoughts together from the affected groups.
In the meantime, our LA writer Tommy had his camera at the ready at the end of the 2011 MLS Cup. As the final seconds wound down, he was hoping to capture the final whistle and ensuing celebration as his team became League Champions for the third time.
