Football First openly gay NFL player to come out soon? - Page 6

Deberg_1990 · 03-26-2013, 06:51 AM

Would this really be that big a deal anymore??

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mi...er-to-come-out

Former NFL player Scott Fujita has seen enough. He's tired of the bigotry. He wants it to end. He's not alone.

Players like Fujita, along with a coalition of current and former NFL players, and NFL team owners, a music mogul and others, are working diligently to create a safe atmosphere for the day history will happen: when an openly gay man will be a member of an NFL club. People like Fujita -- brave people -- are attempting to make the issue a non-issue for when that day comes.

And there are serious indications that day may come sooner than later. While I've long believed I would not see an openly gay NFL player for decades, that might be wrong.

Based on interviews over the past several weeks with current and former players, I'm told that a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months -- and after doing so, the player would attempt to continue his career.

I'm told this player feels the time is now for someone to take this step -- despite homophobic remarks from San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver and the controversy arising recently at the Indianapolis Scouting combine, when prospects were asked questions about their sexuality.

This player's true concern, I'm told, is not the reaction inside an NFL locker room but outside of it. The player fears he will suffer serious harm from homophobic fans, and that is the only thing preventing him from coming out. My sources will not say who this alleged player is.

There has never been an active openly gay player in a major American team sport, but the information I've gathered on the player in question comes from several current and former players.

"I honestly think the players of the NFL have been ready for an openly gay player for quite some time now," said Fujita, a free agent linebacker who has played for the Chiefs, Cowboys, Saints and Browns. "Trust me, the coming out of a player would create much bigger waves outside the locker room than inside. The way I've seen the conversation around LGBT issues evolve, especially in the past few years, has been encouraging. Guys are more accepting than they used to be. Even those who raise personal objections to homosexuality, some of whom are good friends of mine, would still be able to coexist and accept a gay teammate."

Over the past few days there's been a flurry of activity on the issue including a brief filed by Fujita and others in support of a marriage equality case before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear oral arguments on California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Opponents of the proposition say it discriminates against gay men and women.

To Fujita and others, this is an important case that could have ramifications in the NFL. If the Supreme Court overturns Proposition 8, it would send yet another signal to closeted gay NFL players that the environment is changing for the better.

The brief's supporters are impressive. They include: Giants co-owner Steve Tisch; Demaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA; Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo; Marie Tillman, co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation; Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records; former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans; Browns center Alex Mack; and NFL players Connor Barwin, D'Qwell Jackson, Tom Crabtree, Eric Winston and Scott Shanle, among others.

There is a feeling among people who have fought this battle for years that a corner is about to be turned. I don't know. While my faith in humanity remains tepid, it's balanced by my faith in people like Fujita.

**loochy** · 03-26-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

What makes you think that a gay guy would find you attractive? Most women don't find me attractive, so I have to think the same dynamic would be at play with men.

It's the same reason that they think women would find them attractive even though they are old, not smart, balding, have a beer gut, and have hairy backs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

On the NFL question, I don't necessarily see a player as being in "danger" from homophobic fans or discrimination or anything like that. I see the biggest problem being that he works in a jungle with some of the meanest and most aggressive people on earth. Anything you reveal that can potentially be used to distract you or upset you on the field will be used. If he comes out, he can expect to get about 8,000 anti-gay comments per game from his opponents, and it's not really a gay thing. It's a competitive thing.

word dawg

Stanley Nickels · 03-26-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

yes, they are awesome.

It will be interesting to see hoe the left handles the first openly gay man. He'll have to undergo major sexual harassment training and senstiivity classes.

Quit pigeonholing an entire political ideology into a neat package of convenient stereotypes; it's strawman bullshit for weak arguments. Sexual equality is not the same as hyper-liberal political correctness. Homosexuality is not as simple as "choice", whether you choose to believe it or not. Hyper-liberal political correctness is a choice. Quit grouping the two together simply because you disagree with both.

Stanley Nickels · 03-26-2013, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

What makes you think that a gay guy would find you attractive?

Very well put. I used to work at Apple with a number of gay men, and learned that homosexual attraction is no different than heterosexual attraction. Physical and emotional chemistry are just as necessary. The only difference is, the male sex drive doesn't change in homosexuals, so they're more likely to be sexually active. That doesn't mean they'll just **** anything, though.

**Rain Man** · 03-26-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

word dawg

[Fist bump.]

**loochy** · 03-26-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanley Nickels

Very well put. I used to work at Apple with a number of gay men, and learned that homosexual attraction is no different than heterosexual attraction. Physical and emotional chemistry are just as necessary. The only difference is, the male sex drive doesn't change in homosexuals, so they're more likely to be sexually active. That doesn't mean they'll just **** anything, though.

this does not compute

guys go after anything

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 03-26-2013, 09:34 AM

A couple of owners should come out first. To set an example. Green Bay isn't that small a town.

**Dave Lane** · 03-26-2013, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

I wouldn't have enjoyed being around an openly gay guy in my frat in college. It's possible one of the 100 was but it certainly wasn't known. I wouldn't shower in the common area with the possibility he'd show up in there. Anyone who can't understand the natural aversion straight males have to this, is a ****ing moron.

10 of your "brothers" were gay. Fact.

**loochy** · 03-26-2013, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

10 of your "brothers" were gay. Fact.

how is that a fact? you didn't know them

Prison Bitch · 03-26-2013, 09:40 AM

He's talking "libberish" again

Marco Polo · 03-26-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Looking at some of the comments in here, I would reluctantly offer an observation. What makes you think that a gay guy would find you attractive? Most women don't find me attractive, so I have to think the same dynamic would be at play with men.

On the NFL question, I don't necessarily see a player as being in "danger" from homophobic fans or discrimination or anything like that. I see the biggest problem being that he works in a jungle with some of the meanest and most aggressive people on earth. Anything you reveal that can potentially be used to distract you or upset you on the field will be used. If he comes out, he can expect to get about 8,000 anti-gay comments per game from his opponents, and it's not really a gay thing. It's a competitive thing.

+1

**loochy** · 03-26-2013, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

+1

why oh why does rain man always make so much sense?

Stanley Nickels · 03-26-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

how is that a fact? you didn't know them

It's estimated that 10% of the population is gay. Even if Prison Bitch was a member of a frat that was explicitly homophobic, it's likely that at least five of them were gay. Come to think of it, the percentage of vocally homophobic people who end up involved in gay scandals is probably well above 10%.

**loochy** · 03-26-2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanley Nickels

It's estimated that 10% of the population is gay. Even if Prison Bitch was a member of a frat that was explicitly homophobic, it's likely that at least five of them were gay. Come to think of it, the percentage of vocally homophobic people who end up involved in gay scandals is probably well above 10%.

you don't think that the distribution of that 10% might be skewed? i'd think that gay folks would try to avoid an environment like that...

Stanley Nickels · 03-26-2013, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

On the NFL question, I don't necessarily see a player as being in "danger" from homophobic fans or discrimination or anything like that. I see the biggest problem being that he works in a jungle with some of the meanest and most aggressive people on earth. Anything you reveal that can potentially be used to distract you or upset you on the field will be used. If he comes out, he can expect to get about 8,000 anti-gay comments per game from his opponents, and it's not really a gay thing. It's a competitive thing.

This is a really good point that I hadn't considered. If a team will target RGIII's legs because it offers a potentially huge competitive advantage, you can damn well bet that someone will disregard their own opinions, if it means affecting a player's performance. Whether it's Manti Te'o, The Unnamed Gay (good CP handle idea, there), or anyone else, there's a psychological battle that benefits the ones who have the least dirt that can be used against them.

WhawhaWhat · 03-26-2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

you don't think that the distribution of that 10% might be skewed? i'd think that gay folks would try to avoid an environment like that...

I always thought frat guys all at least had gay tendencies. Hey-oooooo.

03-26-2013, 06:51 AM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $2054454	First openly gay NFL player to come out soon? Would this really be that big a deal anymore?? http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mi...er-to-come-out Former NFL player Scott Fujita has seen enough. He's tired of the bigotry. He wants it to end. He's not alone. Players like Fujita, along with a coalition of current and former NFL players, and NFL team owners, a music mogul and others, are working diligently to create a safe atmosphere for the day history will happen: when an openly gay man will be a member of an NFL club. People like Fujita -- brave people -- are attempting to make the issue a non-issue for when that day comes. And there are serious indications that day may come sooner than later. While I've long believed I would not see an openly gay NFL player for decades, that might be wrong. Based on interviews over the past several weeks with current and former players, I'm told that a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months -- and after doing so, the player would attempt to continue his career. I'm told this player feels the time is now for someone to take this step -- despite homophobic remarks from San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver and the controversy arising recently at the Indianapolis Scouting combine, when prospects were asked questions about their sexuality. This player's true concern, I'm told, is not the reaction inside an NFL locker room but outside of it. The player fears he will suffer serious harm from homophobic fans, and that is the only thing preventing him from coming out. My sources will not say who this alleged player is. There has never been an active openly gay player in a major American team sport, but the information I've gathered on the player in question comes from several current and former players. "I honestly think the players of the NFL have been ready for an openly gay player for quite some time now," said Fujita, a free agent linebacker who has played for the Chiefs, Cowboys, Saints and Browns. "Trust me, the coming out of a player would create much bigger waves outside the locker room than inside. The way I've seen the conversation around LGBT issues evolve, especially in the past few years, has been encouraging. Guys are more accepting than they used to be. Even those who raise personal objections to homosexuality, some of whom are good friends of mine, would still be able to coexist and accept a gay teammate." Over the past few days there's been a flurry of activity on the issue including a brief filed by Fujita and others in support of a marriage equality case before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear oral arguments on California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Opponents of the proposition say it discriminates against gay men and women. To Fujita and others, this is an important case that could have ramifications in the NFL. If the Supreme Court overturns Proposition 8, it would send yet another signal to closeted gay NFL players that the environment is changing for the better. The brief's supporters are impressive. They include: Giants co-owner Steve Tisch; Demaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA; Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo; Marie Tillman, co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation; Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records; former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans; Browns center Alex Mack; and NFL players Connor Barwin, D'Qwell Jackson, Tom Crabtree, Eric Winston and Scott Shanle, among others. There is a feeling among people who have fought this battle for years that a corner is about to be turned. I don't know. While my faith in humanity remains tepid, it's balanced by my faith in people like Fujita.
Posts: 66,914

03-26-2013, 09:34 AM	#81
OrtonsPiercedTaint MVP Join Date: Dec 2012 Casino cash: $10004980	A couple of owners should come out first. To set an example. Green Bay isn't that small a town.
Posts: 5,994

03-26-2013, 09:40 AM	#84
Prison Bitch Rabbi Goldmann Join Date: Nov 2012 Casino cash: $5450159	He's talking "libberish" again
Posts: 87,025