Robbie Rogers Takes Field, Gets Standing Ovation

[William769]

It was just another soccer game, says Robbie Rogers, the first openly gay man to play in a pro sports game in the United States.



Robbie Rogers made history on Sunday as the first openly gay man to play in a game in U.S. professional sports. If there was any concern about whether fans would be supportive, it was eased as the crowd stood and cheered wildly when Rogers took the field during the second half of the L.A. Galaxy's 4-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.

This might forever become a tricky piece of sports trivia. The NBA's Jason Collins is the first male pro athlete to come out while still an active player, but Collins' season was already over.

Rogers signed with the Galaxy on Saturday after training with the team for a month, and his first game came the next day in front of more than 24,000 fans. Upon coming out in February, Rogers had retired from the sport, saying it was time to "discover myself."

"I realized I could only truly enjoy my life once I was honest," he said in a blog post at the time.

http://www.advocate.com/sports/2013/05/27/watch-robbie-rogers-takes-field-gets-standing-ovation

[OKNancy]

1. I'm friends with his aunt.

I've been following him for years. I'm so proud of him and so is his family.

[William769]

2. ...

[shenmue]

3. Good for him!

[Logical]

4. The first of many I hope! n-t

[William769]

5. Agreed.