Openly Gay Basketball Player Recruited by the ABA
December 1, 2008
![Mike Survillion [Photo from RockDogsBasketball.com]](http://www.rockdogsbasketball.com/images/comprofiler/plug_profilegallery/76/tnpg_1009332989.jpg)
Mike Survillion - Photo from RockDogsBasketball.com
“We had 32 players and have cut down to about 17,” Dee Minor, Rumble vice president of team operations, told the Bay Area Reporter. “Mike is one of the 17. At this point, no one has signed a contract. That wouldn’t happen until after Thanksgiving.”
Minor says sexual orientation is not a factor when choosing players.
“In basketball, it’s about athletics. We’re looking for the best semipro men’s basketball team we can put on,” Minor said.
According to Outsports, this makes Survillion the second openly gay male professional basketball player in the United States. Survillion’s Rock Dogs teammate, DeMarco Majors, played with the ABA’s Hawaii team for a period of time. Perhaps the most famous gay professional basketball player, John Amaechi, did not publicly come out until after he left the NBA.
Mike has already shown up on our radars during our previous coverage of Shirts & Skins, in particular when he came out to his mother right before the Chicago championships and when he hit up Amaechi for advice on a professional career. It’s so great to see him following his dreams. Hopefully we’ll hear more about him in the future!
What to Watch: Monday
October 27, 2008
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - Eric has a boyfriend!!! We met him last week, and hope to see him again soon!
Eric's new boyfriend on "Gossip Girl"
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr 30 min) NEW - Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]
9:30 pm Samantha Who?, ABC (30 min) NEW - When Andrea and Dena are mistaken for a lesbian couple, Andrea wants to prove that she could snag a much hotter woman than Dena.
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay. This week, she invites him on a trip to Italy.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) SEASON FINALE - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
What to Watch: Monday
October 20, 2008
Check local listings Ellen, syndicated (1 hr) NEW - Vice presidential candidate Senator Joe Biden makes an appearance and comes out against Prop 8.
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - Eric’s mom mentioned last week that he “has a new friend.” Here’s hoping it’s a male friend that we get to meet!
Ted Allen visits with Anthony Bourdain
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr 30 min) NEW - Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]
10:00 pm At the Table with Anthony Bourdain, Travel (1 hr) NEW - Ted Allen joins for a discussion of food and life.
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay. This week, his “friend” Rafael (played by recent GLAAD honoree Wilson Cruz) is arrested for giving drugs to an undercover cop.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
What to Watch: Monday
October 13, 2008
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - It’s hard to imagine how Eric (Serena’s gay younger brother) might pop up in an episode focused on the posse’s visit to Yale, but you never know.
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1 hr 30 min) NEW - Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
Shirts & Skins: Sheryl Swoop(e)s In
October 9, 2008
After a loss last week against a pro basketball team, the Rockdogs rallied back and vowed to train harder and to put the needs of the team before personal issues. Logo is showcasing the all-star gay team in a reality series called Shirts & Skins.
In episode four, Olympic gold medalist and openly gay WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes surprised the Rockdogs with a visit.
Swoopes is considered the “female Michael Jordan” and is the first female basketball player to have a Nike shoe named after her – the “Air Swoopes.” She gave the guys some helpful advice about coming out as a gay athlete, encouraging players like Mike to live their lives honestly and openly to everyone.
She also shared the positive reactions she got from many of her teammates and peers.
“After I came out, I went to the NBA All-Star Game,” Swoopes told the Rockdogs. “Shaq came up to me, and K.G. (Kevin Garnett) and Vince Carter came up and they just all grabbed me and hugged me. To me, that was so encouraging.”
The Rockdogs also worked hard on their fashion show fundraiser, hoping to earn at least $2,000 for their trip to the Chicago basketball championships. Raising money for uniforms, equipment and for travel to tournaments is a problem every sports team has to deal with.
After quelling a few grumbles and shaking off some nerves, the show went off without a hitch. The Rockdogs were surprised to find they’d doubled their goal, raising over $4,000.
With money raised and only two weeks left until Chicago, I’ll be waiting excitedly to see how the Rockdogs do next week. Will Jamel realize that being gay isn’t a choice? Will Mike come out to his family? Will Papa Joe finally give some positive words of encouragement?
Stay tuned and find out!
What to Watch: Monday
October 6, 2008
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - Place your bets on whether Eric, Serena’s gay brother, will appear tonight. Odds seem to be against it.
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) NEW - Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. Though he’s an audience favorite, the judges aren’t taking too kindly to his unorthodox choreography with his partner Lacey. [read more]
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
John Amaechi Drops In on Shirts & Skins
September 30, 2008
In episode one of Logo’s new reality show Shirts & Skins , we were introduced to the Rockdogs, an all-star gay basketball team with aspirations of winning the National Gay Basketball Championship in Chicago.
Last week, openly gay former NBA player John Amaechi stopped by to offer some guidance both on and off the court. Amaechi watched the team play, suggested a few technical tips and then visited the guys at their house.
“I don’t think you guys realize how powerful and influential you can be,” Amaechi told the Rockdogs, explaining their potential to serve as role models to young gay athletes. While he gave the players insight into thinking of themselves as role models, he also encouraged the athletes to stay true to themselves.
I love the fact Amaechi reinforced the idea these athletes don’t have to live by any stereotype. He told them to be authentic – themselves – whoever that may be.
John Amaechi
For readers who may not know, Amaechi is also an experienced motivational speaker. His skills were used to great effect during his visit with the team.
In episode one, you couldn’t miss the controversy that stirred when Jamel inaccurately claimed that being gay was “a choice.” It caused a major rift (and some shouting matches) among his teammates that then carried into episode two.
Amaechi worked to resolve the conflict by creating a safe space for the players. He started by passing a basketball around and allowing only the person with the ball to express how they felt about Jamel’s comment.
What started out as verbal attacks aimed at Jamel ended up as a healthy conversation. Rather than giving into bickering and frustration, the players had an honest, heartfelt discussion. They let Jamel know both how his words affected them and also how much they cared about him.
What to Watch: Monday
September 29, 2008
6:00 pm 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, Bravo (2 hrs) REPEAT – A re-broadcast of the annual award show honoring fair, accurate and inclusive representations of LGBT people in the media. Appearances include Janet Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Rufus Wainwright, Candis Cayne, and Kathy Griffin. Watch and win a trip to London!
Ellen and Portia at the Media Awards
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW – Serena finds fame at Fashion Week. Hopefully, her gay brother Eric will be there to show his support!
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) NEW – Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW – In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW – Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
11:35 pm Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC (1 hr) NEW – Ellen DeGeneres chats with Jay, and is likely to mention her recent wedding to Portia!
What to Watch: Monday
September 22, 2008
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - No sign of Serena’s gay brother Eric last week, nor in this week’s episode synopsis, but that doesn’t mean he won’t appear. For five seconds. Maybe. If we’re lucky.
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars, ABC (2 hrs) SEASON PREMIERE - The three-night premiere begins! Keep your eyes on ‘N Sync’s Lance Bass, the first openly gay competitor on DWTS. [read more]
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this just-renewed legal drama, Charlie (photo at right) is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) NEW - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship. [read more]
What to Watch: Monday
September 15, 2008
8:00 pm Gossip Girl, The CW (1 hr) NEW - OMG! Eric should put out an SOS! After an appearance in the season premiere, he went missing last week. Maybe he’ll have more FT with BFF Jenny this week… Or maybe he’ll get his own storyline? JK! U wish
Connor Paolo as Eric on Gossip Girl
10:00 pm Raising the Bar, TNT (1 hr) NEW - In this legal drama, Charlie is having an affair with Judge Trudy Kessler, but rumor has it, he’s only doing it to cover the fact that he’s gay.
10:00 pm Weeds, Showtime (30 min) SEASON FINALE - After the big drug bust, Sanjay was sent on a plane by the feds to protect him. But who will protect little Isabelle from her coked-out mom?
10:00 pm Shirts & Skins, Logo (30 min) SERIES PREMIERE - Described as a “stereotype busting reality series,” this show explores the lives of the San Francisco Rockdogs (gold medal winners in the 2006 Gay Games) as they reunite to train for the Chicago National Gay Basketball Championship.
