Tebow Wont Help Out on “It Gets Better” Project Against Teen Gay Suicide
Despite petition signed by more than 8,000, Denver Broncos say their star quarterback won't be participating in campaign to prevent gay teen suicide
A Facebook campaign succeeded in getting NBC to let Betty White host Saturday Night Live but a similar online effort isn't convincing Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos to participate in the It Gets Better project aimed at preventing suicide among LGBT youth.
As of today, more than 8,000 people have signed aChange.org petition asking the Broncos to follow in the footsteps of such pro football and baseball franchises as the Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.
'These teams have spoken out against bullying and hatred in our society,' the petition states. 'The Giants became the first professional sports team to make a video for the campaign and numerous other teams have stepped-up to help inform LGBT youth that it gets better and help avert suicide.'
Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth tells Huffngton Post the team has other efforts it is involved in.
'The Denver Broncos are committed to tolerance, acceptance and respect for all in the community,' said Smyth. 'The National Football League is currently working with USA Network on its 'Characters Unite' campaign combating prejudice and intolerance, and our organization is in full support of that movement to help raise awareness for this very important cause.'
Bronco's quarterback Tebow is the NFL's latest superstar and last year, was featured in an ad for Focus on the Family which is well-known for its anti-gay views.
Columnist Dan Savage started It Gets Better with his partner in 2010 after a rash of well-publicized suicides by teenagers who said they were being bullied for being gay or perceived to be gay.
Among the high-profile people who have participated: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and such celebrities as Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, Adam Lambert and Lady GaGa.
The It Gets Better project has developed into a charitable organization that also benefits the The Trevor Project, and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
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