ASPEN, Colo. -- Last weekend, I sat on a panel to discuss one of the sports world's favorite questions: When will a big-name athlete come out?

To be honest with you, sometimes I get a little tired of talking about homophobia in sports -- especially that question in particular. But I continue to do so because I understand the importance of having such a dialogue, particularly as we near the one-year anniversary of Tim Hardaway's "I hate gay people" statements. And besides, afterward I'm always glad I did if for no other reason than to hear the audience's thoughts.

Last weekend was no different.

Actually, that's not true. Last weekend was very different.