Is ESPN's latest NBA ad homophobic? Does a basketball bounce?

[LoZoccolo]

It wouldn't feel like Super Bowl Sunday without some sort of homophobic sports ad controversy popping up and, sure enough, one has. Ironically, however, it has nothing to do with Super Bowl 43 (nothing too bad there so far).

Rather this controversy has to do with the following ad which recently ran on ESPN starring Shaquille O'Neal

( clip of http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x885sw_shaq_shortfilms )

Great, another ad playing on the idea that men being affectionate with each other is something objectionable. So objectionable that it provokes Shaq to call it "weird" and "disgusting" and causes him to move away. What were you thinking ESPN? That being said, keep in mind, that ESPN has a pretty good record on gay issues and that Shaq himself helped chase down some gay-bashers a couple of years ago and has stated he'd protect a gay teammate.

http://www.afterelton.com/blog/michaeljensen/espns-latest-ad-homophobic?

[Chulanowa]

1. Well... A lot of guys are really uncomfortable with male-male affection

I know I'm not exactly the sort of guy to go up and hug another dude. Maybe if he just saved me from being eaten alive by a pack of hyenas or something.

Weird? Yeah, it can be weird and uncomfortable. Disgusting... I wouldn't go that far.

[Divine Discontent]

2. from the most egregious offender in the NBA wo is flagrantly affectionate to people that didn't ask

to be kissed. That's what's disgusting! I know he was trying to be funny, - but for the very guy who KISSES other guys in the NBA frequently - it's bizarre to see him make a negative-toned commercial where he says the guy is weird and disgusting and moves away from him for wanting to do a 'fist-kiss' - so I guess if the guy had just reached over and kissed him he'd be fine? Or is it the big man is the only one who can kiss the other person? Regardless - stupid commercial from a guy that does this-----

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km17wSHbwrg