First openly gay NFL player to come out soon?

[Deberg_1990]

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.

[ModSocks]

My 2cents:

I live about 5-10minutes from the Gay Epicenter of San Diego, so i'm fairly exposed to the openly gay man, unlike the closeted ones you guys have in the midwest.

I've had openly gay friends and co-workers, and it has in fact gotten weird before. I'm pretty tolerant about most things and gays don't bother me, but sometimes the gay males don't respect your boundaries.

When they cross the line, it does get uncomfortable.

I was a teacher's assistant to an openly Gay male Teacher. He would talk about a lot of gay shit with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't a big deal, although a little uncomfortable at times. He was constantly ridiculed by the students though.

When i was living in the group home, they hired a few gay staff members for "Cultural Diversity". One of them got fired when a student asked if he was attracted to some guy on T.V. He replied, "No, i'm into guys that look like (me)". I was 16 at the time. He was fired a few days later.

I've had other instances where gay men have hit on me as well. It's extremely awkward.

My point is, I don't care if you're gay, but in MY personal experiences with openly gay men, sometimes they can be a little too proud and forget to respect the boundaries of others. If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

My 2cents:

I live about 5-10minutes from the Gay Epicenter of San Deigo, so i'm fairly exposed to the openly gay man, unlike the closeted ones you guys have in the midwest.

I've had openly gay friends and co-workers, and it has in fact gotten weird before. I'm pretty tolerant about most things and gays don't bother me, but sometimes the gay males don't respect your boundaries.

When they cross the line, it does get uncomfortable.

I was a teacher's assistant to an openly Gay male Teacher. He would talk about a lot of gay shit with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't a big deal, although a little uncomfortable at times. He was constantly ridiculed by the students though.

When i was living in the group home, they hired a few gay staff members for "Cultural Diversity". One of them got fired when a student asked if he was attracted to some guy on T.V. He replied, "No, i'm into guys that look like (me)". I was 16 at the time. He was fired a few days later.

I've had other instances where gay men have hit on me as well. It's extremely awkward.

My point is, I don't care if you're gay, but in MY personal experiences with openly gay men, sometimes they can be a little too proud and forget to respect the boundaries of others. If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

Well, maybe they wouldn't have hit on you if you A) weren't dressed like a whore and B) wiped the dried semen off your face before you talked woth them.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

Uhm that's discrimination, right?

[loochy]

Originally Posted by ping2000

I just hope it's not a Chief or former Chief. We don't need the distraction. I miss the old days when people kept their sexual preferences to themselves. Who you are banging or like to bang does not interest me.

Nope. They'll announce it through public media and you'll like it.

[Reaper16]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

My 2cents:

I live about 5-10minutes from the Gay Epicenter of San Diego, so i'm fairly exposed to the openly gay man, unlike the closeted ones you guys have in the midwest.

I've had openly gay friends and co-workers, and it has in fact gotten weird before. I'm pretty tolerant about most things and gays don't bother me, but sometimes the gay males don't respect your boundaries.

When they cross the line, it does get uncomfortable.

I was a teacher's assistant to an openly Gay male Teacher. He would talk about a lot of gay shit with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't a big deal, although a little uncomfortable at times. He was constantly ridiculed by the students though.

When i was living in the group home, they hired a few gay staff members for "Cultural Diversity". One of them got fired when a student asked if he was attracted to some guy on T.V. He replied, "No, i'm into guys that look like (me)". I was 16 at the time. He was fired a few days later.

I've had other instances where gay men have hit on me as well. It's extremely awkward.

My point is, I don't care if you're gay, but in MY personal experiences with openly gay men, sometimes they can be a little too proud and forget to respect the boundaries of others. If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

As if straight men don't have boundary issues. Congrats, Detoxing, you know know a little bit of what its like to be a woman walking down the street.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

Congrats, Detoxing, you know know a little bit of what its like to be an attractive woman walking down the street.

fyp

[Reaper16]

Originally Posted by loochy

fyp

Hey, its hard times out here for a catcalling construction worker.

[Dave Lane]

So you are saying they are men? Ask any woman and they will give your story as a quote over and over.

Originally Posted by Detoxing

My 2cents:

I live about 5-10minutes from the Gay Epicenter of San Diego, so i'm fairly exposed to the openly gay man, unlike the closeted ones you guys have in the midwest.

I've had openly gay friends and co-workers, and it has in fact gotten weird before. I'm pretty tolerant about most things and gays don't bother me, but sometimes the gay males don't respect your boundaries.

When they cross the line, it does get uncomfortable.

I was a teacher's assistant to an openly Gay male Teacher. He would talk about a lot of gay shit with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't a big deal, although a little uncomfortable at times. He was constantly ridiculed by the students though.

When i was living in the group home, they hired a few gay staff members for "Cultural Diversity". One of them got fired when a student asked if he was attracted to some guy on T.V. He replied, "No, i'm into guys that look like (me)". I was 16 at the time. He was fired a few days later.

I've had other instances where gay men have hit on me as well. It's extremely awkward.

My point is, I don't care if you're gay, but in MY personal experiences with openly gay men, sometimes they can be a little too proud and forget to respect the boundaries of others. If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Reaper16

Hey, its hard times out here for a catcalling construction worker.

i guess you could use the ugly ones for harassment practice

[KC native]

Originally Posted by loochy

i guess you could use the ugly ones for harassment practice

Not everyone can bag a 10. And if you can't get a 10, you can at least **** 5 2s.

[tooge]

Originally Posted by Prison Bitch

It will be interesting to see if he's given the sexual harassment training. You see, I've been given it at all four of my companies and never once asked if I wanted to participate. Simple: it's mandatory. Sure I've never harassed anyone but tat doesn't exempt me from it. And now this guy will have to undergo it as well.


We cannot assume he will be turned on, but my companies could never assume I'd e turned on by my female co-workers. Same deal.

Duh, your company thinks you are gay.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by ping2000

I just hope it's not a Chief or former Chief. We don't need the distraction. I miss the old days when people kept their sexual preferences to themselves. Who you are banging or like to bang does not interest me.

People didn't ever keep their sexual preference to themselves. Gay people did, but the rest of us have been sharing our preferences to one degree or another forever. So why shouldn't gay people be able to do the same?

[BlackHelicopters]

Sodomy

[Dayze]

my deal is...if you're ugly enough where chicks don't give you the time of day; if you're gay, it's likely that dudes won't find you attractive either.

and even if they do, they're not going to prison rape you in the bathroom of McDonalds.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

My 2cents:

I live about 5-10minutes from the Gay Epicenter of San Diego, so i'm fairly exposed to the openly gay man, unlike the closeted ones you guys have in the midwest.

I've had openly gay friends and co-workers, and it has in fact gotten weird before. I'm pretty tolerant about most things and gays don't bother me, but sometimes the gay males don't respect your boundaries.

When they cross the line, it does get uncomfortable.

I was a teacher's assistant to an openly Gay male Teacher. He would talk about a lot of gay shit with the rest of the staff, but it wasn't a big deal, although a little uncomfortable at times. He was constantly ridiculed by the students though.

When i was living in the group home, they hired a few gay staff members for "Cultural Diversity". One of them got fired when a student asked if he was attracted to some guy on T.V. He replied, "No, i'm into guys that look like (me)". I was 16 at the time. He was fired a few days later.

I've had other instances where gay men have hit on me as well. It's extremely awkward.

My point is, I don't care if you're gay, but in MY personal experiences with openly gay men, sometimes they can be a little too proud and forget to respect the boundaries of others. If you're gay, you should still have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

Do you think straight men disrespect boundaries with women sometimes?