http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1720362
CLEVELAND -- Indians minor leaguer Kazuhito Tadano is asking for forgiveness for what he called a one-time mistake -- his appearance in a gay porn video in which he engaged in a homosexual act.
Tadano took part in the video three years ago when he was a college student. Sitting in the Cleveland clubhouse Tuesday, the pitcher said he hoped to put his actions in the past.
"All of us have made mistakes in our lives," Tadano said, reading a statement in English. "Hopefully, you learn from them and move on."
Shunned by Japanese baseball teams, the 23-year-old Tadano signed with the Indians last March. They think he can make their club this spring.
Tadano gave few details about the video, which he made after his sophomore year at Rikkyo University.
"I did participate in a video and I regret it very much," he said. "It was a one-time incident that showed bad judgment and will never be repeated. I was young, playing baseball, and going to college and my teammates and I needed money.
"Frankly, if I were more mature and had really thought about the implications of what I did, it never would have happened."
Through an interpreter, Tadano added: "I'm not gay. I'd like to clear that fact up right now."
The Indians set up the press session after getting many requests from reporters to speak with Tadano. The team wanted to address the issue before spring training starts next month.
Tadano's admission will certainly draw attention to homosexuality in baseball, a sensitive issue that most players prefer to not even discuss.
There are no openly gay players in the big leagues today. The same is true in the NFL, NHL and NBA.
Tadano was one of Japan's top college pitchers and expected to be a high first-round pick in 2002. But after a Japanese tabloid published photos of him in the video a month before the draft, pro teams in Japan did not select him.
"The commissioner of Japanese baseball came out and said, 'You will not draft Tadano,''' asserted the pitcher's agent, Alan Nero. "But this kid didn't assault anybody. He didn't commit murder. If anything, he is guilty of being naive."
Twice in the minor leagues last season, Tadano stood before his teammates and confessed to his participation in the video, which Nero said can only be obtained on the black market in Japan.
Tadano received overwhelming support from players at Kinston, N.C., where he started the season and later at Akron, the Indians' Double-A affiliate.
"I wanted to tell the truth to my teammates," he said.
A former starter, he pitched in all three levels of the minors last season, going 6-2 with a 1.55 ERA and three saves. At Akron, he didn't allow a run in his first 28 innings and struck out 78 in 72 2-3 innings.
Outfielder Grady Sizemore said Tadano's speech last year was well received in the clubhouse.
"You could tell he was nervous," said Sizemore, a top prospect who lived with Tadano this winter. "But I don't think it changed anybody's opinion of him. After it was said and done, nobody thought anything more of it. He's a great guy and a great pitcher."
If he pitches well during spring training, Tadano could win a spot in Cleveland's bullpen. Whenever he joins the Indians, pitcher C.C. Sabathia says Tadano will be welcomed.
"This is the right team and the right organization for him," Sabathia said. "We have good guys here. Everybody has done something that they regret in their lives. He's a person just like everyone else."
Tadano tried out for several major league teams last spring in Arizona. Coming off an elbow injury, he didn't get any offers. Nero said some teams were turned off by what he called "the scandal."
"He didn't pitch well enough for them to ignore it," Nero said. "I also think they were afraid of the baggage that would come with it."
Not the Indians. They liked Tadano enough to invite him to work out at their spring training facility in Winter Haven, Fla. Eventually, they signed him to a minor league contract that included a $67,500 bonus.
General manager Mark Shapiro said the team decided to sign Tadano despite knowing there could be backlash.
"We thought the upside was well worth the risk, energy and time to support him," Shapiro said.
Tadano knows he may face fan abuse in major league parks such as Yankee Stadium, where heckling the visitors is part of the pageantry.
He joked that he's ready for it.
"I don't understand English, so it doesn't really matter," he said.
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
It's a new day. Every moment matters. Now, more than ever.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
So what? It's his life, it's not of anybody else's business.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Where can I get that video? 
I have been reading up on this case for the past few weeks. Interesting how he has to be so insistent that he is straight. That is definetly possible (though unlikely in my opinion), but I don't think there are that many str8s that would be so desperate for $1000, espescially high-level athletes.
However, it is encouraging to see that his team supporting him.
Maybe this is a small stepping stone for the first major league ball player to come out. I've heard of claims that you could have a pretty decent team (with a few all-stars) with the gay players in the game today.
I have been reading up on this case for the past few weeks. Interesting how he has to be so insistent that he is straight. That is definetly possible (though unlikely in my opinion), but I don't think there are that many str8s that would be so desperate for $1000, espescially high-level athletes.
However, it is encouraging to see that his team supporting him.
Maybe this is a small stepping stone for the first major league ball player to come out. I've heard of claims that you could have a pretty decent team (with a few all-stars) with the gay players in the game today.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
That is definetly possible (though unlikely in my opinion), but I don't think there are that many str8s that would be so desperate for $1000, espescially high-level athletes.
He wasn't a "high-level" athlete when he did this. He was a college kid. And how many mostly straight guys in the porn business have done gay scenes? I'd wager quite a few. So if he says he's straight, I'll give the kid the benefit of the doubt. And if he isn't, so what, as long as he can pitch.
He wasn't a "high-level" athlete when he did this. He was a college kid. And how many mostly straight guys in the porn business have done gay scenes? I'd wager quite a few. So if he says he's straight, I'll give the kid the benefit of the doubt. And if he isn't, so what, as long as he can pitch.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
There is a former MLB player, Billy Beane, who came out after he was done playing. As for this Japanese kid, it's too bad he has to engage in such denial, assuming he is gay. Says a lot about the state of affairs in MLB these days. I wonder if the gay flick had a baseball theme. 
Maggs swings, it's a drive deep to left! The Tigers are going to the World Series!!!
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
As for this Japanese kid, it's too bad he has to engage in such denial, assuming he is gay.
How the hell is he in denial, Stretch 8? He says he is not gay, yet you obviously don't give him any benefit of the doubt, and immediately lable him in denial! Talk about a harsh critic, you take the cake.
How the hell is he in denial, Stretch 8? He says he is not gay, yet you obviously don't give him any benefit of the doubt, and immediately lable him in denial! Talk about a harsh critic, you take the cake.
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- Usairwys757
- Posts: 2609
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
I think this hurts him a little though, If he does make it to the majors. Most of the players and coaches will look at him differently, I believe.
Inactive.....
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Well, I'm in pretty dire financial straits but you would have to pay me a lot more than $1000 to do str8 porn 
I think that is the mindset of a lot of people are having in seeing the denial of being homosexual as false.
Well, sorry he DID say he "isn't gay". But he didn't say he was str8 either. Maybe that's the best way to weasel his way out of the situation
Now that I've seen his picture though, I don't want the video. I was hoping he was cute. You can see it at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/baseball/mlb/01/27/indians.gay.porno.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
I think that is the mindset of a lot of people are having in seeing the denial of being homosexual as false.
Well, sorry he DID say he "isn't gay". But he didn't say he was str8 either. Maybe that's the best way to weasel his way out of the situation
Now that I've seen his picture though, I don't want the video. I was hoping he was cute. You can see it at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/baseball/mlb/01/27/indians.gay.porno.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
I hope we find out that Derek Jeter and Andy Pettite made this same "mistake" when they were in college...
An unexamined life isn't worth living.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
I don't understand is he a pitcher or a catcher?????
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
You know your team sucks when you have to start hiring gay porn actors....
I don't understand is he a pitcher or a catcher?????
Probably both.
I don't understand is he a pitcher or a catcher?????
Probably both.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
It's an issue because mainstream American society still can't handle homosexuality in a reasoned, mature manner. It's improving, but we're still at a stage where people have to endure discrimination and ridicule for loving someone of the same sex.
Who cares whether this guy is gay or not - he shouldn't have to say anything either way - his bedroom business is just that. All I care about is whether or not he can perform on a baseball diamond.
Telling commentary on the homosexual condition in Japan as well. It's easy to rag on China and others, but this fellow's treatment, gay or not, was abhorrent, particularly by the Japanese baseball establishment. The Japanese consume generous amounts of lesbian-themed porn, but for some reason having participated in a male-male video makes one a pariah. Bullshit.
Who cares whether this guy is gay or not - he shouldn't have to say anything either way - his bedroom business is just that. All I care about is whether or not he can perform on a baseball diamond.
Telling commentary on the homosexual condition in Japan as well. It's easy to rag on China and others, but this fellow's treatment, gay or not, was abhorrent, particularly by the Japanese baseball establishment. The Japanese consume generous amounts of lesbian-themed porn, but for some reason having participated in a male-male video makes one a pariah. Bullshit.
If you need someone to blame / throw a rock in the air / you'll hit someone guilty
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
If you engage in a homosexual act you are gay, it's as simple as that!
none
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Wow Covert, tell that to all the str8 married men who like to play around with guys. They dont think they're gay.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
If you engage in a homosexual act you are gay, it's as simple as that!
Well, then by your simpleton logic, which is what that is, then a gay person who engages in straight sex-and some do-must be straight, right?
Well, then by your simpleton logic, which is what that is, then a gay person who engages in straight sex-and some do-must be straight, right?
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
If you engage in a homosexual act you are gay, it's as simple as that!
Read that, KROC? I hope this clears up the last of your "identity issues."
Read that, KROC? I hope this clears up the last of your "identity issues."
"Sympathy is something that shouldn't be bestowed on the Yankees. Apparently it angers them." - Bob Feller
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Just found the screenshots from the video. Apparantley now it is being sold in quantity, not just on the black market as earlier claimed. I won't post the link here to avoid offending people, you'll have to request it
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
CPDC10-30, can I have the link? And where can I order the full video? DO they have same-day shipping?
Signed, KROC
Signed, KROC
"Sympathy is something that shouldn't be bestowed on the Yankees. Apparently it angers them." - Bob Feller
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
I could see that coming a mile away...
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
CPDC10-30, can I have the link? And where can I order the full video? DO they have same-day shipping?
Signed, KROC
The referee is counting as we speak.
Signed, KROC
The referee is counting as we speak.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
So, he is young and thin. Those seem to be the only qualifications for being in a gay porno. If he's got it, why not flaunt it? Meanwhile, some of us are told we are too old and fat to do even the simplest things like date or have friends.
GO CANUCKS!!
[Edited 2004-01-30 19:51:51]
GO CANUCKS!!
[Edited 2004-01-30 19:51:51]
You bet I'm pumped!!! I just had a green tea!!!
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- Guest
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistak
OMG, Doing a gay porn film could be a life altering mistake? AA61hvy take the camcorder back to Best Buy and see if you can cancel our hotel reservations.
Signed,
KROC
Signed,
KROC
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Startvalve, I've seen a better attempt from Singapore_Air. You lose.
Alpha 1 - Stop stealing my gimmick. I will set that big ass open sewer you call the Cayahoga River a blaze yet again if you keep up that mess.
Alpha 1 - Stop stealing my gimmick. I will set that big ass open sewer you call the Cayahoga River a blaze yet again if you keep up that mess.
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- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
- Joined:
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Maybe has a nice bat
um, he's Japanese dude.......... (flame on
)
If you engage in a homosexual act you are gay, it's as simple as that!
Congratulations, you now hold the trophy for most idiotic statement of 2004. How does it feel?!
(P.S., ever watch a GGW video? ...they all gay too?
)
um, he's Japanese dude.......... (flame on
)
If you engage in a homosexual act you are gay, it's as simple as that!
Congratulations, you now hold the trophy for most idiotic statement of 2004. How does it feel?!
(P.S., ever watch a GGW video? ...they all gay too?
)
Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre c'est impossible sans Concorde!
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- Guest
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistak
Lesbians are more socially acceptable, they just are, I know this is unfair but men are horny and MOST men like lesbians.
The act is not what makes you gay, I am betting there are gay porn stars that are straight or bi. In my humble straight man opinion you are only gay if you think you are gay. I am not saying homsexuality is a mindset or decision or even if its genetic. there are thousands of gay people out there convinced they are straight, like Jcs17 for example.
The act is not what makes you gay, I am betting there are gay porn stars that are straight or bi. In my humble straight man opinion you are only gay if you think you are gay. I am not saying homsexuality is a mindset or decision or even if its genetic. there are thousands of gay people out there convinced they are straight, like Jcs17 for example.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
>>I am not saying homsexuality is a mindset or decision or even if its genetic. there are thousands of gay people out there convinced they are straight, like Jcs17 for example. <<
Good one Startvalve!
You hit the nail on the head though (no pun intended)... I've had straight sex, and I could have it again and function just fine... but I'm definitely NOT straight. Most people would love to believe it's that black and white... makes it so much easier to label people. But the reality is sexuality is fluid (again, no pun intended). Does anyone think that all the prison inmates who engage in buttsex are really gay?
Good one Startvalve!
You hit the nail on the head though (no pun intended)... I've had straight sex, and I could have it again and function just fine... but I'm definitely NOT straight. Most people would love to believe it's that black and white... makes it so much easier to label people. But the reality is sexuality is fluid (again, no pun intended). Does anyone think that all the prison inmates who engage in buttsex are really gay?
An unexamined life isn't worth living.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Nice threat there, KROC, but the only thing it will get you is....
OUT FOR THE COUNT!!
OUT FOR THE COUNT!!
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- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Lesbians are more socially acceptable, they just are
I wouldnt argue that with you for a second
I am betting there are gay porn stars that are straight or bi
Not only do they exist, but they're the majority in that industry.
I wouldnt argue that with you for a second
I am betting there are gay porn stars that are straight or bi
Not only do they exist, but they're the majority in that industry.
Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre c'est impossible sans Concorde!
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
From what I've seen on the video box cover, he puts to rest that myth about Japanese men in general.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
What exactly does he do in the movie????
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
From what I've seen on the video box cover, he puts to rest that myth about Japanese men in general
by what... confirming it?
by what... confirming it?
Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre c'est impossible sans Concorde!
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- Bernard Shakey
- Posts: 543
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
You hit one homerun and that doesn't make you a power hitter. You steal one base and that doesn't make you a speedster. But make one little gay porno movie and Covert labels you for life. I don't give a crap what he does, but it sure would be nice if he could pitch. It could be worse, in fact it is in Pittsburgh where their new closer is Joe Table
Mindless drifter on the road, Carries such an easy load
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
From what I've seen on the video box cover, he puts to rest that myth about Japanese men in general
by what... confirming it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No...exactly the opposite! I was impressed!
I don't like to place labels on people, but if that was him from those pix, then he takes "gay-for-pay" to new heights.
More power to him though, even though he's gonna have a rough time of it. The best thing he could do is shrug his shoulders and say, "So what?"
by what... confirming it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No...exactly the opposite! I was impressed!
I don't like to place labels on people, but if that was him from those pix, then he takes "gay-for-pay" to new heights.
More power to him though, even though he's gonna have a rough time of it. The best thing he could do is shrug his shoulders and say, "So what?"
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- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
- Joined:
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
you *do* realize that not only can they, but 99% of the time do, manipulate the "images" (if you follow me) on the box exteriors for the sole purpose of enticing the gullible (such as yourself ) into paying $49.95 for something whose wholesale value is about a buck fifty.... right?
if you didnt... then I suggest looking at any box with 'John Holmes' on the cover
) into paying $49.95 for something whose wholesale value is about a buck fifty.... right?
if you didnt... then I suggest looking at any box with 'John Holmes' on the cover
Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre c'est impossible sans Concorde!
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Actually considering he had a slave collar on it doesn't change my preception of Japanese at all
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- deltaflyertoo
- Posts: 1501
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
I personally think the whole thing is messed up....he says hes not gay, but how could anyone NOT be gay engage in that. St8 sex doesn't exactly take a lot of effort to engage if you catch my drift, but if you aren't gay and are doing a video, it can be quite cumbersome....People say a lot of st8 guys are doing gay porn, thats tough to comprehend.
At any rate, if he is truly st8, I think it is great that he would take the risk (even if $$ were motivation) to produce such a flick and not worry about what society thinks.
At any rate, if he is truly st8, I think it is great that he would take the risk (even if $$ were motivation) to produce such a flick and not worry about what society thinks.
RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
Originally Posted by Alpha 1
Well, then by your simpleton logic, which is what that is, then a gay person who engages in straight sex-and some do-must be straight, right?
No those are bi-sexual....
Well, then by your simpleton logic, which is what that is, then a gay person who engages in straight sex-and some do-must be straight, right?
No those are bi-sexual....
none
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- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
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RE: Indians Minor Leaguer: Gay Porn Role "a Mistake"
People say a lot of st8 guys are doing gay porn, thats tough to comprehend.
Nothing tough about it... the #1 reason most men get into gay porn is debt. Most typical causes being a drug habit, or an illegitimate child.
If you're attractive, broke, but owe others mega money; and someone waves $400-1500 cash in front of your face for 6hrs work-- you'd probably be shocked by just what you'd do for it..................
*****
On a lighter note, I only wish I was again so naive as to think the world's as black/white as Covert obviously does. *sigh* ...those were the days
[Edited 2004-02-02 08:42:57]
Nothing tough about it... the #1 reason most men get into gay porn is debt. Most typical causes being a drug habit, or an illegitimate child.
If you're attractive, broke, but owe others mega money; and someone waves $400-1500 cash in front of your face for 6hrs work-- you'd probably be shocked by just what you'd do for it..................
*****
On a lighter note, I only wish I was again so naive as to think the world's as black/white as Covert obviously does. *sigh* ...those were the days
[Edited 2004-02-02 08:42:57]
Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre c'est impossible sans Concorde!