Brad Gilbert commits verbal double-fault at U.S. Open

Brad Gilbert when he was a tennis "physical specimen"

As a somewhat obsessive tennis fan, I've been glued to the TV the last few days for the start of the 2009 U.S. Open. This is the first year that ESPN is handling a majority of the tournament (it was previously on USA Network), which means in addition to the coverage being slanted heavily in favor of American players, we also have to endure the "color commentary" of Brad Gilbert.

Brad was a former tour player who became best known for coaching Andre Agassi during his comeback years, and coaching Andy Roddick to his one and only major title. He's now a commentator for ESPN, and is known for deliberately mis-pronouncing the names of non-American players (he thinks it's funny), and for his general obnoxiousness.

This afternoon, however, he took a big step further, and went from obnoxious to offensive.

Juan Martin Del Potro and his "fruity" looking outfits from The French Open and Wimbledon

Calling the match of Argentine player Juan Martin Del Potro, Brad remarked how much he loved Del Potro's all-black outfit, and then promptly inserted foot into mouth:

Gilbert: I'm giving a big thumbs-up to Del Potro's all-black gear. It looks physical, he's stepping up. They had him in too much of a fruity-looking outfit at the French and Wimbledon. Now he's looking like a physical specimen. He could be a nice guard in the NBA.

I sat there stunned for a moment. Brad Gilbert is a smart guy. He knows that "fruity-looking" is usually interpreted as "gay". And gay, of course, is the biggest put-down you can throw at a male athlete.

I know it's not a big insult, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it's because of comments like that, and people like Gilbert, that we've never had a major male tennis player come out.

Tennis is in many ways the most welcoming of all major sports (look at the out lesbians playing), but when it comes to out male players, it's still in the dark ages with football, baseball, hockey and too many others.

Frankly, I shudder to think what might come out of Brad's mouth if he had to call the match of a gay player.

BTW, this may be just a coincidence, but a little while after Brad made his "fruity" comment, it was announced that Mary Carillo would be calling the rest of the match, and Brad was "on assignment". Hmm ...

We've contacted the network for a response and we'll update when we hear back.