Junior Flemmings, a midfielder for the Phoenix Rising FC was suspended for six games after using abusive homophobic language against San Diego Loyal’s Collin Martin during a match on Oct. 1st, 2020.
Midfielder Collin Martin, who is the first openly gay soccer player in the United Soccer League (USL), had a verbal exchange with Flemmings after a yellow card was given to another Phoenix player. The dispute resulted in Flemmings using anti-gay slurs towards Martin. The Loyal forfeited their match even though they had a 3-1 lead in protest to the words said by Flemmings. Junior Flemmings is now facing a six-game suspension, a fine and is on administrative leave.
Homophobic bullying is something that many athletes experience regardless of their actual sexual orientation. It is used to belittle, gain power over, attack and/or is used with intent to mental harm to the victim.
Although the events that happened in the match are uncalled for and unacceptable, there is a silver lining. The USL is now mandating all coaches, players and staff complete sensitivity and educational training before the start of the 2021 season and many seasons after that. The USL partnered up The Institute for Sport and Social Justice and during the training, teams will discuss various topics such as power, privilege, ally-ship, and the power of words. This is a step towards athletes and staff gaining more education, which can allow players to learn how to be more conscious of their bias, their words and support those who are experiencing discrimination. The reaction that Martin’s team and coaching staff exhibited in response to this incident also shows support and the want for change in how LGBTQ+ are treated within competitive sports. Although small, this is one of the first of many steps taken forward towards making highly competitive heteronormative sports more inclusive and accepting.
JulieR
Featured image: Collin Martin (credit: @youngtheryan)
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