TSN talks to Brian Burke and his son Brendan Burke about coming out

[ZHammerUK]

I like this.

[Mr123Gibson]

Rest In Peace

[bbcanuck]

Just saw the replay of the CBC fifth estate program which highlighted Brendan's life and commitment. If you get a chance, give it a view. Very well done...respectful and further's Brendan's efforts. You know, it doesn't seem fair that such amazing people are taken so young. Guess they just learn and make their contribution so much sooner than the rest of us and the good Lord just wants them to come home.

[1412Bunny]

So sad that he died. :'(

[warrenpaine]

Wow, Brendan couldn't have been a better representative and spokesman for the gay community. What a tragic loss for us all, but isn't it wonderful that he left this world knowing he was loved and accepted by his friends and family and had nothing to hide? Rest in Peace Brendan.

[oReFLeXiioNz]

Brenden is a F.A.G. (Fucking Amazing Guy)

[oldschoolxx]

Still so sad... We all know Burkie is a great guy, and it's still so sad that Brendan passed away so young..

RIP Brendan, you're forever missed.

[ArtisteMoi]

Winderful film. May there be more gay hockey players coming out and that they be helped by all hockey players, coaches, and all the public!!!

[kkallebb]

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation did an excellent documentary on Brendon's life, broadcast on Nov. 26., 2010. Maybe someone will put it up on Youtube. It's worth watching.

[flon57]

very brave of brendan to come out in such a macho sport, i'm a huge hab fan, so don't hold it against me brian, my thoughts are with you and your family

[gdavies4]

WOW i cant imagine how hard it would be to tell my dad im gay , even harder if my dad is BB

failrplay Brendan ...R.I.P.

[micheshawn]

RIP Brenden....

[ShaiReefVideos]

RIP Brendan

but i still hate the leafs

[joant1221]

About an hour ago, I linked into an article about Brian Burke participating in a Gay Pride Parade from a Clay Aiken fan site. I had no idea who Brian or Brendan Burke were. In a short amount of time, I've learned so much about these amazing men. Like father, like son! RIP Brendan, we all lost you too soon.

[chrisiztheman1618]

RIP

[devilspjh]

Looks and sounds like his dad. RIP

[MCRbryarxxx]

such a good kid, its so sad and he looks like his dad, rest in peace

[Dpesh7]

wow, i had no idea about this story until now just because hes dead.

[gretch78]

I am very sad at the loss of Brendan (and Mark). I know Brian personally and he is one of the really good guys and a completely devoted parent. I can't imagine the grief.

[Daouk12]

RIP Mark Reedy well always be remembered and Burke both are great losses

[pmjkl]

Rip to wuick to die he died in a car crash

[derekm42]

To the entire family... thoughts and prayers. A courageous life ended far too soon.

[injproduction]

How did he die? :(

[imsosick06]

Brendan was my cousin. He was such an amazing person and true friend. I love him so much as did all of the hundreds of people who came to his wake and the hundreds more who will be attending the funeral tomorrow. Rest in Peace B. I love you

[cannonspowell1]

@imsosick06 my mom was his friend i am very sorry for youre loss

[jerrycasas1]

@imsosick06 so sorry for your loss. I was just reading an article about him and his father. He was a truly well spoken young man and someone to look up to. May he rest in peace.

[jjayi3]

Rest in Peace Guys, so sad.

[greg2230]

why have i not heard of this kid before now? amazing story

[S1MBURGER]

RIP Brendan

[clynestar]

I'll always be affected by Brendan Burke, his story and courage. He had so much promise and did not deserve to die as or early as he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[MarcRogerBourgeois]

Brendan

You are a story of courage & strength...and you did alot in your short life! It's up to others to carry your torch now. You are a hero, bud!

[mistady1234]

RIP Brendan, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

[dacrimespot23]

It takes big time guts/courage to openly admit you are gay. So sad he and another kid both died at a young age. Rest in peace. :(

[lankansizzla]

R.I.P you will be remembered

[clayman1919]

r.i.p

[HereticalMartian]

He will be remembered. In his name and a thousand others we will carry on the gay movement and fight for that great day when all people are treated with equal dignity and respect.

[BlueOpalSix]

This is such a tragic story. What a brave young man..he sure left a legacy for the LGBT community at the young age of 21. My heart goes out to his family and cannot imagine what they are going through.

[jwsf941]

Brendan: May your spirit rest in peace. To Brian Burke: If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't stop crying this weekend.

[rogermeilleur]

What a tragedy that someone so brave is no longer here with us to continue his journey. My deepest sympathies to the Burke family! R.I.P. Brendan.

[narutoproducer]

R.I.P Brendan and my best regards to the Burke family

[MONSTERDT2112]

RIP Brendan Burke, i wish Brian and the rest of the Burke family the best of luck. God Bless.

[andriaLH]

my condolences to the Burke family losing one of your childern is out of the natural order.. i know from experience...rest in peace Ryan love Dad.. myhearfelt condolences to the Burke family Brad Zimmer and family

[vancouveralan]

was his boyfriend in the car with him ?

[Robis2349]

An enormous loss of huge magnitude any which way you look at it. Terrible terrible tragedy that no family should have to endure. Condolences and may the Burkes be held in the thoughts of everyone.

I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedoms

[Theboss60]

RIP Brendan. A boy with true courage

[cws971]

Rest In Peace Brendan ' my thoughts and prayers with the Burke family

[cturtle]

we're gonna miss you, berkie ... thank you for the example you set

[EnterWittyPhraseHere]

RIP Brendan.

A massive loss.

[Yondaime991]

RIP brendan

[Yondaime991]

RIP Brendan

[duraido]

RIP

[NYISLES2191]

RIP

[beeblmeyer]

This is a beautiful interview. This is also a tremendous loss for so many. Thank you so much Brian and Brendan Burke for your extraordinary contribution.

[purfecteaz]

What a ugly tragedy! A big loss for mankind. R.I.P. Brenden.

[TheNash360]

Rest In Peace Brendan,

Most Heartfelt Condolences to Brian Burke,family,relatives and friends

[Staggaronie]

R.I.P

[pinkvespa86]

So sad....:( RIP

[H0ckeyRulz]

RIP

[CanadianBluSkye]

So sad... seems it's always those great people who make a difference in life are taken away too quickly.

[bluthng]

RIP Brendan. You will be missed.

[10SoV]

Miami misses you, Brendan. Come back! Goggin won't the same without you. You will be in our thoughts tonight.

[musket1122]

RIP

[malgacho]

Brendan, I hope you know how respected and loved you are. We will greatly miss you,

[poworoznykfan]

RIP Brendan!

[jberke]

Your story was touching... your passing tragic. RIP Brendan. You could have done great things.

[muizerific]

RIP Brendon Burke, he loved him soo much.... RIP

[07acs07]

RIP

[laxgrl4]

RIP Brendan... this is so heartbreaking. so young with such potential. all my prayers to the Burke family

[steviestamkos91]

RIP Brendan

[TheCrowneJewel]

RIP BRENDAN BURKE

[bjgreenday]

Wonderful Kid, great insperation

[starlightgirlrules]

R.I.P Brendan Burke

[TheBrownTies]

it's crazy how similar they looked.. shocking and sad news about his passing

[jimoaklandu]

A Great loss!

[protopop01]

Brendan's story reached a lot of people he didn't know - he did a good, brave thing and it's sad to hear this news.

[stevedrums]

Very sad news. Didn't know about his being gay - as if that matters - but it was a very brave thing for him to do. Condolences to all affected.

[newyorkmets1010]

R.I.P Brendan, thoughts and prayers with the Burke family and the Miami Brotherhood

[UnionStayshyn]

Comments are being monitored closely. Thanks.

[EvanRules87]

R.I.P Brendan Burke!! :(

[brownhawk4]

RIP Brendan Burke. wonderful young man.

[smartassjonas]

R.I.P.

[dingleberry1989]

Met Brendan in Boston several times. Good guy. A gentleman. R.I.P. Brendan Burke and Mark Reedy.

[lanniefaye]

RIP Brendan...this is so heartbreaking. I was so impressed with him after this interview - the world has lost a bright light.

[eepruls]

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Very, very sad.

[TheSocial411]

Rest In Peace Brendan!

[MrFlyerGuy]

A True Warrior both on & off the ice. RIP Brendan. Your in a better place now

[VenomFan1989]

R.I.P Brendan

Doesn't Brian Burke have a son who plays in the NBA ?

[MrFlyerGuy]

No his other son is a scout for the Flyers

[kempsternyc]

Thank you Brian Burke. I wish I had had a dad like you that I could have come out to.

[alexbidel]

This is like a tear jerker.

[Hockeyboy111]

brandon will always be remembered

[FreedomUSA1]

I pray for the family's pain to be lessened with knowledge of the huge positive impact that Brendan made.

[Lakrisal87]

Absolutely horrible story about his death. My prayers go out to the Burke family and everyone who knew Brendan.

Rest in peace!

[vegas787]

horrible horrible tragedy!

[plass0]

Rest in Peace Brendan.

[anthonychrisbradley]

R.I.P

[ethicomm]

That's rough for Brian Burke.

[macvic311]

Very sad indeed. RIP Brendan. Being a gay man myself the story of you and your father really touched me.

[leafsrule1234]

Rest in Peace Brendan. I really respected you when this interview was on t.v. and I watched it. My condolances to Brian Burke and his family. Take as much time as you need Brian

[michelle87xox]

this is so sad to watch :(

R.I.P Brendan <3 xoxo

[saintemarie2]

I have just heard the terrible news. Brendan was a student of mine last semester. He was such a pleasure to have in class. What an awful loss. I send my most sincere condolences to his friends and most especially to his family.

[UPASR]

"I said, 'It won't change anything Brendan. It doesn't change our view, we love you and we're proud of you. It doesn't change anything in my mind and it never will," "I wish every parent could experience having a child like him" - Brian Burke

[ridgemeadowsmoose]

rip brendan that took balls to come out and tell the world something like that RIP

[1moreastronaut]

RIP Brendan, and condolences to Brian and Jennifer.

[pethcir]

This brings a tear. RIP Brendan Burke.

[pvalana]

Brian and Jennifer, please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your son Brendan.

Pasco and Valana

[1808tyler]

R.I.P brendan so sad i feel so bad for the family

[Sports1131]

Rest in peace, Brendan. =(

[Fras77]

R.I.P. Brendan. Was interested to see your interview on TSN. I think it was a great memory for people to remember your courage and character. It was apparent for us all to see.

[michaelthorner]

Thanks for posting this Justin. Sad news. R.I.P. Brendan.

[will81387]

It's really sad! R.I.P Brendan

[m3pilot19]

this is tragic. seems like he was a great person. RIP

[GoPensGo377]

RIP big guy, BB should be proud of what his son did by coming out,

[MARTH11ff]

R.I.P Brendan Burke...

[lyinglegalbum]

rest in peace, buddy.  Our prayers are with you and your family.

[uberSOUND]

RIP Brendan Burke

[Robis2349]

tragic loss for the Burkes. Condolences..

[bakasushi19]

R.I.P. Brendan Burke.

So young, and so fast. We're so proud of you. It's a sad sad day for the Burke family, the hockey community, and the gay community.

God bless Brendan . . .

[ethicomm]

Geez, what a sad story. As a Canucks loyalist I've felt some hard feelings towards toward Brian Burke but for this I'm truly sorry.

[MrRebuttal]

R.I.P Brendan Burke.

[sexxysara21]

This is so sad! I hope all the best for Brian and his family :( RIP Brendan

[prolarism]

rest in peace brendan burke! your father is a great man

[oehieze]

rest in peace child.....

[volcomSNOW29]

rip

[Greg676]

This is one of the best stories TSN ever did. I gained alot of respect for Brian and really respected Brendan for this. RIP Brendan.

[Hannoi]

I'm so sorry he had to die but I'm glad Brian Burke was so supportive of his son.

Just think about how little time they had together and how terrible it would have been to be estranged from one another and then lose your child.

Such a loss, a brave kid. My condolences to his family.

[angellanx]

rest in peace..

[YOURTUBEISBROKEN]

thats terrible right after a bad leafs loss aswell man brian is just in shock i bet

[drunkenstooge]

Way to gay it up, ESPN.

[ethicomm]

Different story tonight.

[Supertails128]

Thats awesome his family and fellow teammates support him! This just goes to show there definite progression in the sports world and in society toward gays. Another step in the right direction!

[galefan2004]

Best thing about this dude is that he is a masculine gay in the sports world. Hopefully he gets as much coverage as fey Adam (g)Lambert, so that people can get a perspective. Also, it must be nice to have supportive parents. i told my dad when I was 18 (12 years ago) and we haven't talked about it since. My mom never stopped trying to find me the right woman. My brother's fiance was supportive before he was, but he eventually came around.

[heraclitus44]

Smart, articulate, good looking and gay, WOW! His family has definitely made him a success.

I wish I knew him.

[latinpetehb]

Great example of unconditional love!!

[rdrilleau]

These two men, son and father, are leaders we all need to appreciate and thank. Thanks to the Brendan for his courage and determination and thanks to Brian for being a great hockey professional leading the way!

[tcwaters835]

This is a wonderful story, and thanks for posting this video clip. There are many things that make the interview amazing, but one of the most awesome is the moment when Brian Burke says that his team is ready for out gay players and staff, and that other teams probably are as well.

[UnionStayshyn]

Comments are welcome but any personal attacks on either Brendan or Brian Burke will be deleted; also, if you really feel the need to express your disgust with homosexuality I'd appreciate it if you kept it to your own page.

What Brendan did was commendable and his father's response is exemplary. I posted this so others could be inspired by their story. If you have a problem with it I encourage you to watch the clip; and if you still feel the need to lip off negatively about it go elsewhere.

[LimelightsFaded]

Homosexuality is not something that's "developed". All the scientific research shows it's something inborn in the womb during the fetal stages in combination with genetic factors. And your comment really isn't even relevant to what I just posted.

[galefan2004]

I really hate to break this to you, but honestly, there has been NO significant study to date that shows that homosexuality is inborn. The predominate research shows that it is a learned behavior. However, learned or inborn doesn't matter when it is NOT A CHOICE OR A LIFESTYLE. No person chooses to give up the vast majority of their relationship and family rights in order to be ridiculed and discarded their entire life.

[LimelightsFaded]

Actually, yes there have been significant studies. There've been studies of identical twins, there've been studies that show a womb is more likely to create a gay male child with each son a woman has, there've been studies showing the difference in brain size, difference in the way gay men vs. straight men process emotions (a neurological difference that cannot be learned), and I'm just getting started. If you'd like I can give you the names of the peer reviewed science journals.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

ugh...keep it in your bed room

[LimelightsFaded]

I could say the same thing to straight people. I have to hear about your sex and relationships all the time.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

not on this video u cant....

[LimelightsFaded]

...Wow, the point clearly went right over your puny little head.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

well before u get angry..why not come to the conclusion that open talk about sex should be kept to your partner and or bed room....

[LimelightsFaded]

Uh, I don't see anyone talking about sex in this video.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

i do...its a whole news story about being gay...big deal...shouldnt be on the news...

[LimelightsFaded]

Being gay isn't a story about sex just as a story about some guy talking about his wife or girlfriend isn't about sex. It wouldn't BE on the news if it weren't for homophobes like you who make it difficult for gay people in the world of sports. Gay people would love for it to not be news just as much as you.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

lol..what ever...open gays to disgust me though...id rather not be around them...but the ones who dont flaunt their gayness...i respect...

[LimelightsFaded]

Again you've missed the point. Someone being openly gay is not "flaunting" their gayness. I'm sure when you're around your friends you don't refrain from discussing your heterosexuality.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

i would consider chris crocker flaunting his gayness...as far as being around friends...well thats what friends r for...not strangers and or the public...

[LimelightsFaded]

Chris Crocker is really feminine and flamboyant. That is not flaunting gayness. If that were the case I could say straight men playing sports and drinking beer is them flaunting their straightness. And as I pointed out before, any time anyone goes out in public with their spouse or talks about a girl they find attractive or anything of the sort--that is exactly the same. Of course it's not going to be news, because no one bashes straight people in sports.

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

seems to me it will make his team mates very uncomfortable now that he is openly gay...lets consider they share showers and a locker room...its like asking a woman to shower and change with a man...im sure it would be very uncomfortable...

[LimelightsFaded]

Whether they're openly gay or secretly gay, they're still in the same locker room. So what's your point?

[JASONHEINCHMANNNN]

the point is..that now they are aware he is attracted to men...some may find it uncomfortable to be in such an environment....just as a woman finds it more comfortable to be among fellow woman rather than a drooling man when in instances of sexual privacy...

[galefan2004]

So your point is that when men aren't comfortable with their OWN sexuality that they should be coddled and cut off from the rest of the world. Works for me. Then again, I thought that was already the case because most of those uncomfortable with their own sexuality become loud argumentative "christian' bigots that no one mourns when they pass. Any self respecting straight guy that works hard on their body is as impressed when a dude checks them out as they are when a woman checks them out.

[galefan2004]

For starters, THERE ARE CO-ED dorms with CO-ED bathrooms where women and men shower together all of the time. Showering is not a sexual activity. Truth be known, just as many "straight" guys check out each others junk and bodies while in the shower as gay guys. Just being in the shower together does not mean a gay guy will attack a straight guy. That is insane. One of the easiest coming out stories I ever had was with a Army officer while attending college with him. He knew many gay soldiers.

[joeytj]

yeah, just like rappers talking about pussies and guys at bars talking about women, asses and tits is about flaunting their "straightness". You still think that being gay is all about sex.

[galefan2004]

Funny because Chris Crocker has never even identified as being gay. She identifies as being a woman. The thing that offends people about Chris is that she is simply herself. That isn't flaunting anything. She also isn't trying to make a name for herself by being transgendered. The fact that she is an out spoken transgendered has made a name for her. There is a huge difference.

[galefan2004]

Its a story about a sports team accepting someone for who they are. I'm assuming people never accepted you for who you are for various reasons. i'm sorry that being a bigot or religious fanatic hasn't been a socially acceptable lifestyle for at least two decades, but that still gets plenty of news coverage.

[joeytj]

Why do people think being gay is all about sex? For some reason, conservatives think getting married, having a partner and being with someone the rest of your life just means "SEX". The kid is gay, which means, among other things, he falls in LOVE with other guys, wants to be with other guys, and Yes, has sex with other gays. But talking about being gay, isn't just about sex.

[twins1729]

Brendan Burke is my new hero! :)

[designx86]

I agree that being gay is not a lifestyle or choice, but I don't think his father has a LOT of learning to do... just a little bit. Good people.

[rg0057]

Cool dad. But he needs to learn being gay is not a lifestyle, nor is it a choice. His use of these words indicates to me he has a lot of learning to do before he'll understand his son. But it's clear he's willing to do it, which is wonderful to see.

One of the reasons I can't stand our national game is the rampant homophobia I've experienced in the locker room, in the arena, and from the media. Homophobia and hockey have been inseparable. Hopefully this will begin a change for the better.

[PrideToronto]

Sweet story. Heard they came to Pride this year and might come again in 2010! Hope they do. Would love to have them march!