In case you missed it, last week Mike Pucillo announced to the world that he’s gay.Pucillo, who won the 2008 national title as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes, became the first former champion to broadcast his preference of men. To come out in any sport is a bold proclamation, but the revelation from within the sport of a wrestling — one drenched in the verbiage and imagery of masculinity — is almost unparalleled.While Pucillo’s sexual preference is of little concern to most individuals, it’s unique in that it comes from within a highly closeted combat sports community, which tends to entertain less-than-progressive views on what happens in the bedroom.Ohio State’s Mike Pucillo defeated Iowa State’s Jake Varner to win the NCAA title in 2008 (Photo/Danielle Hobeika) Still, from Pucillo’s recent comments since the announcement it appears as though the wrestling community rallied around the former champion and flooded him with love and support. While the online community can be wretched and narrow-minded, it’s now evident that the wrestling community at large has protected and promoted Pucillo’s courage.My hope is that Pucillo’s leadership will allow more young men to come forward and face anti-gay discrimination both on and off the mats. Sexual preference has nothing to do with physical toughness and that you happen to be gay should in no way affect teammates. It certainly doesn’t affect the athlete. Mike Pucillo is one of the baddest men on the planet. Period.Congrats to Mike Pucillo on the announcement. We are all looking forward to witnessing the positive changes he will no doubt inspire in our community.To your questions …Q: I thought the announcers during the Division I tournament were circumspect and somewhat reticent about criticizing the NCAA in the aftermath of the 157-quarterfinal bout. Are announcers asked or contracted not to be critical? I can imagine such might be the case, since it is an NCAA-hosted event.– Charles W.Foley: I was hired this year to work on ESPN’s “Off the Mat” program and at no time was asked to avoid the Ian Miller-Brian Realbuto controversy. In fact, the talking heads discussed the situation before the broadcast and wondered aloud to each other if it had been overdone by the earlier coverage. Everyone agreed that if it came up in any way we’d talk about it as long as necessary…
Continue Reading: Foley's Friday Mailbag: April 3, 2015
