by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright February 21, 2003
All Rights Reserved.

hrowing News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch for a loop, three-time Cy Young award winner and Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax severed his 48-year relationship with the Dodger organization over two gossipy sentences in the New York Post implying he was gay. "A Hall of Fame baseball hero," wrote the New York Post, "cooperated with a best-selling biography only because the author promised to keep it secret that he is gay. The author kept her word but, big mouths at the publishing house can't keep from flapping," causing the hubbub, pushing Koufax over the top. Imagine what Tom Cruise or Richard Gere feels about supermarket tabloids, relentlessly questioning their sexual orientations throughout their careers. Yet Koufax allows a few flip remarks to get under his skin, upending a storied career with one of baseball's most coveted franchises—The Los Angeles Dodgers.

      Though Koufax isn't named directly, The Post refers to Jane Leavy's best-selling biography, "Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy," hitting books stores last September. Known as a bit reclusive, Koufax shocked the baseball world in 1966, retiring at age 30 after an untreatable elbow ailment. During his 12-year career, Koufax put up electrifying numbers, pitching four no hitters and one perfect game. He still holds the National League record for 382 strikeouts in 1965. Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1972, Koufax is considered by many the best left-hander in baseball history. But his recent overreaction says more about his eggshell personality than News Corp's yellow journalism. His hypersensitivity speaks volumes about the ever-likely veracity of The Post's comments, despite protests to the contrary. In today's evolved society, Koufax's reaction is a throwback to a less tolerant era.

      Drawing more attention to himself, Koufax was better off letting the reporter's comments roll off his back. "It does not make sense for me to promote any" of Murdoch's News Corp. companies, insisting that he would "feel foolish to be associated with or promote one entity if it helps another," said Koufax, missing the sportsmanship associated with the Hall of Fame. Koufax needs to get up to speed and realize homosexuality doesn't carry the same stigma as it once did. "I have no problems with the Dodgers or their current or previous management. It's more about [News Corp]," said Koufax, holding the corporate elite accountable for unforgivable behavior. No one at News Corp. had anything to do with a Post's slanderous insinuation, yet Koufax blames Murdoch's executive suite. Other than finding the rumor true, why would he get so bent out of shape over something so trivial?

      Most celebrities—even those who prefer to stay out of the limelight—are subject to endless speculation about their personal lives, including sexual orientations. Though Koufax is a reluctant celebrity, his presence in Vero Beach always creates a buzz at Dodger spring training camp. Now back in news since Leavy's best seller, Koufax has more buzz than ever. Responding to the Post's accusation, Leavy called it "thoroughly erroneous on all counts. [The item] was blatantly unfair, scandalous and contemptible. It was thoroughly without basis in so far as it had to do with Sandy or any relationship I had with him professionally. It's not the kind of journalism I practice," denying that she coerced Koufax into doing a biography. What Leavy didn't deny was the Post's central allegation that one of baseball's greatest icons was indeed gay. Leavy only repudiated the idea she got the biography gig in exchange for keeping silent.

      Punishing News Corp. and cutting off the Dodgers makes absolutely no sense, other than drawing more attention to the controversy. Showing such hypersensitivity keeps people guessing whether the rumors are true. But whether rumors are true or false, Koufax remains a living baseball legend. No one can take away his on-field accomplishments, winning 27 games at age 30 in 1966, before calling it quits because of excruciating elbow pain. "It was irresponsible and inappropriate ," said Koufax friend Derrick Hall, a senior vice president with the Dodgers, commenting about the Post's report. While acknowledging that it hurt Dodgertown, he didn't question Koufax's motives for taking such extreme measures. Blaming everything on The Post sidesteps Koufax's erratic choice to cut off the team and friends with whom he's had such close relationships.

      Looking at the bigger picture, family and friends should be very concerned about his Koufax's health, isolating himself from reliable support systems. No one denies the offensive nature of The Post's remarks, but Sandy must also take responsibility for overreacting and jumping the gun. Former Warner Bros. studio boss and current Dodger President Jim Daly hopes to mend fences before News Corp. unloads the team to the highest bidder. "This is a real shame," said right fielder Shawn Green, acknowledging the loss to the Dodger organization. No one denies Koufax the right to privacy. Cutting off the Dodgers went overboard, punishing good-natured fans who supported his career. "For Sandy to do something like this, he obviously feels strongly about it," said former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros, stating the obvious but not recognizing Koufax went way too far. One only hopes he comes to his senses sometime soon.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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