Have you ever heard of the Velvet Mafia? They've been rumored to have a disproportionate amount of influence in Hollywood and other industries but there's never been much mention of their tentacles reaching into professional sports. Until now, that is.
Tim Hardaway, banished from the NBA All-Star Game for gay-bashing in a radio interview, said he spent several hours with an organization for gays (he declined to identify which) and has the go-ahead to seek a coaching or scouting job. (He said he was passed over by Orlando's Stan Van Gundy.)
With his moustache, Van Gundy likely had their stamp of approval as well. A quick glance of the other coaching hires this offseason shows more signs that the seal of approval from unnamed organizations for gays may be important for wannabe head coaches in the NBA.
Reggie Theus - 
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Marc Iavaroni - The new Memphis coach spent a chunk of his playing career in Milan where he doubtlessly picked up an appreciation for fashion that will have Grizzly fans heading for bespoke tailors by the pickup load.
P.J. Carlesimo - Quite familiar with the feeling of another man's hands around his neck.
Rick Adelman - It's believed he made an under-the-table deal to bring back the moustache and black t-shirt.
Sam Vincent - Coached in Greece and the Netherlands, two European nations not known for their closed minded views about homosexuality and used to work for Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, which allows gay couples to participate in Fairy Tale Weddings at the theme park.
Jim O'Brien - Fired in Boston and Philadelphia, O'Brien's Jesuit schooling is offset by struggle for acceptance he shares with homosexuals.
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