This is in response to yesterday's letter "PSU athletic department has history of homophobia." I have never heard such a dubious accusation. That is a serious accusation to make with absolutely no supporting evidence. What coaches have been removed? What players have been dismissed for their sexual preference? Who is afraid to speak out inside the department? As a former Penn State athlete I am infuriated with such an erroneous claim.

Coaches base their decisions not on sexual orientation but on skill, talent and potential. Let me assure you this is the case. You have never been inside the athletic departments, been a member of the coaching staffs or part of a team, so you cannot begin to understand the strong foundation of tradition Penn State athletics have been built upon. It is a history based on integrity, commitment, teamwork and academic excellence, not one based on homophobia. Please show me substantial evidence to your claims, or perhaps SpeakOUT shouldn't speak up.