Editor's note

Yesterday, former NFL offensive lineman Ryan O’Callaghan came out as gay. In telling his story, he says he was so distraught over his sexuality as a player that he’d planned on killing himself once his NFL career ended.

Penn State’s John Affleck wonders why – after a flurry of professional athletes came out in 2013 and 2014 – more aren’t doing so. It could be that, like O’Callaghan, they continue to face the same fears of rejection from teammates and team executives. But Affleck also points to some more hopeful signs – like the growing numbers of college and high school athletes who are coming out of the closet.

And on International Yoga Day, Indiana University’s Andrea Jain explains how Christian yoga, which removes yogic language that could indicate yoga’s historical connections to other religions, is gaining in popularity.

Meanwhile, a GSU political scientist living in Georgia’s 6th district reflects on the results of the most expensive House race in history – a special election many called a referendum on President Donald Trump.

Nick Lehr

Editor, Arts and Culture

Top story

St. Louis Rams draft pick Michael Sam speaks during a news conference at the team’s practice facility in May 2014. Jeff Roberson/AP

What happened to the openly gay athlete?

John Affleck, Pennsylvania State University

Since Michael Sam came out in 2014, no one in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL has done the same. Are the barriers to coming out still holding firm? Or are there signs that the tide could soon turn?

Ethics + Religion

  • Can yoga be Christian?

    Andrea Jain, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

    Wednesday, June 21, is International Yoga Day. A scholar explains how yoga is being Christianized in different parts of the world. So, what then is real yoga?

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