Saying that there is a “conspiracy” to push an “effeminate agenda” is quite the stretch. Plus the involvement of Freemasons makes his position seem even more tenuous. 

The one thing that can be said is that sports, like the world, appears to be moving toward being a place of acceptance and inclusion with less room for “toxic masculinity.”  

Earlier this summer, now retired NBA superstar Dwyane Wade supported his son’s participation in the Miami Beach Pride Festival. 

Though many challenges obviously still exist. 

Once the news about Russel broke, retired NFL player Ryan O'Callaghan said every team in the league has at least one gay or bisexual player as a member. We heard similar statements about the league having multiple gay players from Michael Sam. But fear of repercussions prevents players from speaking out. 

Still, this is a topic that will not go away because it is present in society. Sports is a microcosm of the society in which it inhabits. As the world moves towards a more acceptable place, so too will sports. 

The reactions to Johnson's comments have been strong and varied.