Outsports
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Outsports is a California-based media company whose largest holding is Outsports.com, considered the worldwide leader in gay sports. The company was founded in 1999 by Cyd Zeigler Jr. and Jim Buzinski. The Web site has served as a media watchdog, sports-entertainment provider and community builder since its founding.
The online publication has broken many stories of national and international note, including the NFL's prohibition of the word "gay" on their jerseys, the coming out of John Amaechi, and the homophobic comments of New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey.
The Outsports Revolution (Alyson Publications) by Cyd Zeigler Jr. and Jim Buzinski was released in 2007. The book chronicles the development and rise of the Outsports.com brand and outlines its impact on the world of gay sports. The book covers the gay sports movement, introduces both famous and non-famous LGBT athletes, and examines various myths and controversies regarding gays and sports.
The Web site was the recipient in 2003 of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association's best digital journalism award.
It has appeared in countless media outlets including ESPN, CNN, New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Playboy, The Advocate, Los Angeles Times, Fox Sports Radio, Howard Stern Show, Sirius, Salon, and many others. Critics have accused Outsports of not properly policing their messageboards. Most of the Outsports posters behave in a proper manner but there have been some incidences of misogyny, racism, and antisemitism being posted on the messageboard.