Volleyball is a physically demanding sport, but because it is a non-contact game some critics dismiss it as “soft”, feminine” or “gay.” Volleyball has a net separating opponents, rendering macho man-to-man contact impossible. The worst players can do is lob insults at their opponents on the other side of the net.
Jordan Lucas is arguable the best collegiate volleyball player, the outside-hitter is renowned for his deadly spikes and for his trademark flamboyant hair flips, air kisses, and stereotypically gay demeanor.
His eye-catching celebrations after killer plays, energize the crowd and pump-up his teammates.
But not everyone is a fan, there’s always the homophobe who can’t appreciate Lucas’ amazing play, because he gets hung up on his theatrics. Volleyball announcer Charlie Brande made a pointed remark after Lucas delivered one of his patented hair-flips:
“I’m amazed Jordan Lucas hasn’t been popped by somebody. The antics he’s making under the net, it’s very distasteful.”
I bet “Mr. Macho” Brande has no problem with the butt-slaps, huddles, pile-ons, crop-top jerseys, and tight uniforms common in the NFL, but a hair-flip gets his panties in a twist.
Brande’s comment implicitly encourages violence against players who are different and confident enough to be themselves on and off the court. Thankfully, he was fired for the remark.
I am not going to stop watching women’s beach volleyball in favor of men’s volleyball, but I admire Lucas and I wish him all the best.
