Paving the Way for the First 'Out' Pro Male Athlete

[steve2470]

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/04/02/paving-the-way-for-the-first-out-pro-male-athlete?google_editors_picks=true

The LGBTQ community has been making advancements all over American culture—from Supreme Court cases to video games. But in the world of sports, there is still one major hurdle that has yet to be cleared. No professional player of an American male team-sport—football, baseball, basketball or hockey—has revealed himself to be gay while still playing the game. A number of players have come out since retiring, as have some female athletes, and a number of professionals have voiced their support for their lesbian and gay teammates. But reports by CBS Sports' Mike Freeman that an NFL player is thinking about coming out have only intensified the discussion of this next major step.

"I think it's important for anyone who is a professional athlete, anyone who is anything, to come out," says Aaron McQuade, head of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's sports program. GLAAD is one of many groups working with the NFL and other pro leagues to facilitate this process. Not only will an out pro athlete be an important example for other gay and lesbian athletes, says McQuade, but for their teammates and coaches as well.

"When they do come out it will help change the conversation about masculinity and what it means to be an athlete, not only straight men can pay sports well," says Wade Davis, a former NFL player who come out after retiring, and works with a number of LGBTQ organizations.

However, not everyone welcomed the speculation that news of the first gay pro football player may be on its way. Chris Clemons of the Seattle Seahawks tweeted that a public announcement of such would be a "selfish act" that would "immediately separate a locker room and divide a team."

[Scuba]

1. And if two superstars come out together ...

... like good friends Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Braun for example, it will be ho-hum old news in 15 minutes.

Note: Rodgers and Braun both reportedly have girlfriends.



http://www.totalpackers.com/2012/07/30/aaron-rodgers-and-ryan-braun-open-their-restaurant-photos/

Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Braun Open Their Restaurant