Three London sports organizations are speaking out against Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's usage of "locker room talk."
In a joint statement late Wednesday afternoon, the London Lightning, Western Mustangs and FC London criticized Donald Trump's characterization of his predatory, sexual comments about women from a 2005 video as "locker-room talk."
In a release, the London Lightning said:
“The National Basketball League of Canada supports its players in understanding the impact of men’s violence against women. The NBL works collaboratively with the London Abused Women’s Centre and dedicates a team game each season to women impacted by violence through the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign. The NBL has zero tolerance for men’s violence against women. Sexual violence and rape culture have no place in the locker rooms of the NBL or of any sport.”
Greg Marshall, head coach of the Western Mustangs said:
"Locker room talk should never be demeaning, disrespectful or make light of a very serious problem. It is precisely this attitude that has contributed to the culture of sexual violence against women that exists in our society today. Athletes and coaches should be role models and be leaders in the fight to end sexual violence against women. If we are to change the attitudes and culture, then it begins in the locker room."
Ian Campbell, president of FC London wrote:
"As an organization that focuses on opportunities in sport for both male and female soccer players our mandate is to create a safe and barrier free environment for players, coaches, families and fans. With this in mind our FC LONDON executive and staff in no way condone, support or tolerate any abusive language or comments either inside or outside the locker room. Recent implications in the American media indicating that the locker room of a sports organization is a place where violence against women and the promotion of a rape culture is tolerated are simply wrong. All players and team officials within the FC LONDON organization are aware of and have signed a league “Code of Conduct” including a social media policy which makes it clear that there is NO tolerance for behaviour that is racist, sexist, or which degrades other human beings."
In the now infamous tape, obtained by The Washington Post and NBC News, Trump describes trying to have sex with a married woman and brags about women letting him kiss and grab them because he is famous.
"When you're a star they let you do it," Trump says. "You can do anything."
He adds seconds later, "Grab them by the p----. You can do anything."
Numerous professional former and current athletes have also spoken out about Trump's choice of language regarding women.
