Elephant in the room?

[Howlin Wolf]

Nebraska assistant Ron Brown says he will continue to speak out against homosexuality even if it costs him his job.

I don't really care how Ron Brown feells about this issue, but is he helping or hindering recruiting by constantly making this an issue?
I don't think like a 17 year old to know what they think of his stance, but I know they are a lot more open today than 20 years ago. Can we afford to lose one recruit because of Brown's instance ?
Have at it!

[carrolltonsker]

Ron Brown has attracted many more recruits than he has driven away. I hope he continues to speak out all he wants.

[Huskers57]

Just a warning-I know this thread will be moved to the Cafe just like the others. Brown is a FOOTBALL COACH at NU.

Aanyways, I feel that (MY OPINION) this is not appropriate behavior by our coach, he is entitled to his opinions and beliefs. Using his high-profile position as a FOOTBALL coach to further his causes/beliefs/thoughts is not right. He can't deny that he uses his position in society as a way to speak out for what he believes, and if he denies that, it's on him. He is preaching from a Bible that says homosexuality is wrong (which is totally up to the interpretation of the reader) this same book also has 600+ so-called sins, why focus on just this one? Society is changing and allowing for LGBT to be included albeit at a slow pace, but change takes time.

Brown is not in sync with his primary employer which is UNL's mission statement:

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln promotes respect for and understanding of cultural diversity in all aspects of society. It strives for a culturally diverse student body, faculty, and staff reflecting the multicultural nature of Nebraska and the nation. UNL brings international and multicultural dimensions to its programs through the involvement of its faculty in international activities, a student body that includes students from throughout the world, exchange agreements with other universities abroad involving both students and faculty, and the incorporation of international components in a variety of courses and curricula.

http://nebraska.edu/history-and-miss...tatements.html

I feel after Perlman remanded him once a few weeks ago, Brown would get the hint to TONE DOWN his rhetoric or just say no comment and focus on football, he would do that. Sadly, Brown hasn't done this. TO is a man of a Christian background-which is fine with me, but HE KNEW how and when was the appropriate place to talk about his beliefs and not be so outwardly about it, even if he might be right or wrong on his stances.

I find it ironic that Brown is so vehemently against this issue according to the Bible, which is open to each individual's interpretation, but this is degrading and a cause of deterioration of society. And this is being proven by how far the LGBT groups have come over the last few decades. People say the word of the Bible has worked for the last 2 millennium, and suddenly things are changing over the last few centuries? Maybe change is coming faster due to technology/internet/communication capabilities of the human race. The ability to communication, discuss, develop thoughts and mechanisms in society are coming around faster due to the ease of communication. That certainly has to be a role in all of these issues.

Good luck to Coach Brown. I hope he can weather this storm because he is a hell of a football coach and family man. We just don't agree on this issue and all.

Good luck Coach.

[YUENGLING]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

[Pop Corn]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

Exactly!!

[Huskers57]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

he isn't forced to be a coach at NU. he can leave if he wants.

[ColoREDo]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

I guess its a good thing that he doesn't hold up a sign that reads "God hates fags" then.

[Californication]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

If gays and lesbians don't have the same rights based on sexual orientation, is this country free for them?

[bilsker]

When you are fired or punised in any way for speaking out on your religous beliefs you no longer live in a free country.

That's a little silly.

There are all kinds of things that you are FREE to do as an American that will get you fired from your job.

Like I said the other thread what if, instead of RB taking the stance that he does what if he owned a Dr. John's-type store as a side business/investment. If you're not familiar with Dr. John's it's a sex toy and porn store. You think UNL would have a problem with that? Of course they would. What if Ron Brown decided that he felt the need to dress in drag at practices and during games? You think he'd keep his job? Nope. What if Ron Brown...ok, bad example...what if Tim Beck were a member of a peaceful white supremacy group? You think he'd keep his job? Nope. How about an outspoken communist...say around the height of the cold war? What if a coach had a habit of dating co-eds? What if he was Larry Eustachy partying with students into the wee hours?

None of that is illegal. Those are all things that football coaches and other high profile employees of about any organization have every RIGHT to do but that would likely lead to their dismissal from their job. You have a right to speak your mind and do what you want as long as it's legal. That doesn't mean your employer doesn't have the right to get rid of you.

[MyBraska]

Times have changed, for sure. Coach Brown knows he lost a shot at the Stanford job years ago because of this stance, and he accepted that. As long as he isn't wearing a NU uniform and mentioning his association (even though everyone knows where he works), I doubt he is violating school policy. If he does violate school policy, then he should be fired. If not, it's his business. He hasn't chosen the easy way out, for sure

[DBP]

I also don't necessarily care what Ron Brown's opinions are. I will formulate my own.
The problem I have with all of this is that whether he delivers the caveat of "these are my beliefs and not those of my tax payer supported employer etc......" He still sits in a very public role and like it or not, represents the University at all times. I am not saying that is fair but when I think of Ron Brown, one of the first things I think of is football coach of the University. I am also a bit troubled by his defiant statement something to the effect that he would be proud of, or it would be a badge of honor or something to be fired for this. At least that is the way I took a statement attributed to him.

[Huskers57]

I am also a bit troubled by his defiant statement something to the effect that he would be proud of, or it would be a badge of honor or something to be fired for this. At least that is the way I took a statement attributed to him.

Thought the same thing. It's almost like he's daring the U to fire or release him.

[RedEd]

Thought the same thing. It's almost like he's daring the U to fire or release him.

So. People on the other side of the issue do that kind of stuff all the time. What's your point?

[RedBlack&Blue]

I also don't necessarily care what Ron Brown's opinions are. I will formulate my own.
The problem I have with all of this is that whether he delivers the caveat of "these are my beliefs and not those of my tax payer supported employer etc......" He still sits in a very public role and like it or not, represents the University at all times. I am not saying that is fair but when I think of Ron Brown, one of the first things I think of is football coach of the University. I am also a bit troubled by his defiant statement something to the effect that he would be proud of, or it would be a badge of honor or something to be fired for this. At least that is the way I took a statement attributed to him.

Agree with this.

His job at Nebraska is not just another job.

He has a powerful personality, presence and gift, and he's choosing to use it in a controversial, very public way that leaves most, if not all, within a certain group (homosexuals) feel isolated, wrong and shamed.

He may believe what they're doing is sinful, but he should know that many disagree with him. Their proof against his position is deep and credible. It's a significant argument in our society that can become all-consuming for those who immerse themselves in it.

If he wants to be a preacher spreading his message and beliefs, fine. Have at it.

If he wants to be a football coach in a high profile position at the University of Nebraska, he should pipe down and be much more discreet.

[Squatchsker]

If Ron Brown wants to talk about elephants he should become a zoo keeper.

[AzHusker]

If Ron Brown wants to talk about elephants he should become a zoo keeper.

Zactly. Keep it on the field, coach. Who needs this topic centered on the Big Red?

[huskernut]

Zactly. Keep it on the field, coach. Who needs this topic centered on the Big Red?

That's it, in a nutshell.

[Ruddman23]

I would follow Coach Brown to the ends of the earth and back again! He is a great coach and does not treat non-Christian players any different the Christian players. He and AA have just as good a relationship as the one he has with Rex. As long as he is not wearing a Nebraska shirt and he tells his audience these are his feelings not his employers then let him preach away. I know this is a hot issue but he has the right as an American to state his feelings. It’s funny how so many people that praised him for being asked to lead the pre-game prayer at the Penn-State game can now start bashing him over this.

If you are a person that holds the Bible as a word of authority then what he is saying is correct. When he walks into a room and talks to a player and his family they know he will mentor to their son if he chooses to come to Nebraska. The parents know he is going to hold their son to a high set of standards. Standards that will ensure their son is going to class, performing both in the class room and on the field.
I love coach Brown and hope when my son grows up and starts off to college he finds a mentor like coach Brown that will have that same type of impact as the one I have held him to.

[utsker]

It’s funny how so many people that praised him for being asked to lead the pre-game prayer at the Penn-State game can now start bashing him over this.

It's funny how many people don't know the difference between the two. One was to unite, the other to divide.

[Huskers57]

It's funny how many people don't know the difference between the two. One was to unite, the other to divide.

Thank you.