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

UPDATE 3: Please read:
"True advocates like Brendan Burke are hard to come by"
http://bit.ly/cWZEaw

UPDATE 2: The impact of Brendan's courage and his father's support for his gay son extended far beyond the world of hockey and the Maple Leafs. Many in the gay community are responding with shock and sadness to the the news of his tragic death:

"Who knows how many lives this brave young man touched in his 21 years, I know he touched mine."

"It truly hit me hard when I read that headline. I've never been shaken so hard by the death of someone I've never met. I hope his story and message lives on in all of us."

More:
http://bit.ly/ajKrq8

Article on Mark Reedy who was in the car with Brian Burke and also died in the accident:
http://bit.ly/dgNuP0


UPDATE: Just heard the horrible news that Brendan died in a car accident. I didn't know him but he recently sent me a note about posting this video:

"Hey Justin
Thank you very much for putting the video up to youtube. A bunch of friends and family have been able to see the interview because you have the link up, so I sincerely do appreciate that. I've received a lot of messages and emails, and every single one is still positive, which is pretty cool. I'm glad the story has meant something to people.
Happy holidays, Go leafs!
-Brendan"

My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

"Brendan Burke, 21, who broke homophobic barriers in hockey, dies in accident in Indiana"

__________________________________

Brian Burke, the President and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his son Brendan Burke talk to TSN about Brendan's coming out and the struggles and challenges that still exist for gay athletes.

PLEASE NOTE: Any offensive comments will be removed and your account wil be blocked.
http://bit.ly/9sY1Fz

Here's the original article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=...

Original TSN clip: http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip239464#clip239464

TSN's Dave Hodge responds to viewer reactions to the interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJe4LlCnd_s

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• TSN
• Brian Burke
• Brendan Burke
• Hockey
• Homosexuality
• gay
• GLBT
• gay marriage
• sports
• masculinity

[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

[MCRbryarxxx]

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

[ZHammerUK]

I like this.

[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.

[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!!!