Several players support gay marriage

Sun., Sept. 16, 2012

Several NFL players are speaking out in support of gay marriage in states where the issue is on the November ballot.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has argued against a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Minnesota. Kluwe also defended Baltimore linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo after he was criticized by a Maryland politician for publicly supporting gay marriage.

Athletes and team officials say attitudes are changing in big-league sports. But no active athlete in the four major sports of football, baseball, basketball or hockey has ever publicly acknowledged being gay.

In all, four states are voting on gay marriage this year. Minnesota’s vote is on a constitutional ban. Maryland, Maine and Washington voters are deciding whether gay marriage should be legal.

Ford out for season

The Oakland Raiders have placed receiver Jacoby Ford on season-ending injured reserve and cornerback Ron Bartell on the reserved/injured list.

Ford has been sidelined since the preseason with a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. He had surgery earlier this week.

Bears sign Bell

The Chicago Bears have signed Kahlil Bell to a one-year contract, bringing back the running back with Matt Forte’s status uncertain.

Forte left Thursday’s loss to Green Bay with what several outlets reported was a high right-ankle sprain. Bell, who was waived last month, played 20 games for the Bears over three seasons and made three starts, including the final two last year. He ran for 557 yards on 119 attempts and also caught 20 passes for 137 yards and a TD during that time.

Jags make changes

The Jacksonville Jaguars have moved offensive tackle Daniel Baldridge from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and released offensive lineman Troy Kropog.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Several players support gay marriage

Ford out for season

Bears sign Bell

Jags make changes

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Mark Few reveals Gonzaga 'sliding doors' moment one day before Tommy Lloyd leads Arizona into Final Four

WSU QBs Caden Pinnick, Owen Eshelman go throw-for-throw at open practice in Spokane

Jo Adell robs 3 home runs as Angels stun Seattle Mariners