By Jeff Moss
DetroitSportsRag@GMail.com
June 28, 2015

Earlier this morning on WXYZ’s Sports Cave with host Brad Galli, Detroit News baseball writer Tony Paul offered his very personal opinion regarding the Supreme Court’s recent marriage equality ruling.

Personal for him because Tony is gay.

I wouldn’t say that Tony “came out” in this monologue because it’s not like he has been living in Stan Marsh’s closet for the last few years. Tony’s family knew he was gay, his employer knew he was gay, the Tigers organization knew he was gay and anyone friends with him on Facebook could have figured it out in about two seconds.

But a majority of the public really didn’t know so Paul’s eloquent monologue on Channel 7’s airwaves left no ambiguity.

I commend Tony for his courage in making this announcement because while homosexuality have never been more accepted by the mainstream of America, the locker rooms and clubhouses of professional sports teams has never been bastions of inclusivity.

Not to mention a lot of sports fans aren’t exactly open-minded on the subject. And if you don’t believe me,- just read the “Comments” section of Tony’s News article announcing the Tigers’ Gay Pride Day — an event that might not have occurred if it wasn’t for Tony’s lobbying.

And if you think this was easy for Paul, just remember that you can STILL count on about one hand the number of male sportswriters who have announced that they are gay.

The decision to tell his readers about his sexual proclivity wasn’t done without a lot of thought. At one time I believe an article in Outsports was discussed as well as an editorial in the News. Hell, I even repeatedly tried to coax Tony into making the announcement on a DSR podcast. He wisely chose a different vehicle.

At one point I suggested a DSR headline that stated “Tony Paul is Gay” and when you clicked on the article the entire thing read, “Who gives a shit? Just like it should be.”

But I respected Tony’s wishes to not make it THAT public at the time because, while I am clearly a monster, I am not that big of a dick.

Kudos to Galli for providing the format for Tony’s address. While I am jealous that it didn’t occur on the DSR, it was extremely generous of the Birmingham Brother Rice graduate to offer that platform.

Although I still one-upped Galli baby being the first person who alerted Tony on Friday that he was free to get married and enter the wonderful institution of legalized monogamy. And being told you are always wrong. And getting yelled at to clean up the shit on the floor. And why did you spend so much of your paycheck betting on horses ….

And ….. wait … what?

I have always thought Tony to be one of the most courageous media members in Detroit. He is one of the few to call Detroit sports teams out on their bullshit and isn’t afraid to rip Tigers’ management when it is warranted.

Hell, I think his refusal to kowtow to the team’s request for positive reporting might have cost him an opportunity as a full-time beat writer.  I will have more on that accusation in the coming days.

But bombing Joba Chamberlain on Twitter pales in comparison to what he did today.

I will leave you with the video of Tony’s announcement …