The topic of homosexuality is rarely discussed in sports, but new reports suggest that the NFL appears more than ready for an openly gay player in their sport.
According to NFL.com, CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman announced Monday he was told of a current gay NFL player who is strongly considering coming out publicly. The unmanned player is expected to make the announcement within the next few months, then continue on with his NFL career.
Freeman has based his information from several interviews he conducted with active and former NFL players, but he doesn't know who the player is or when the announcement is scheduled to made.
Per NFL.com:
The topic of homosexuality and gay rights never has been so much a part of NFL discussion. Players like Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe have spoken loudly in support of gay marriage throughout the last year. New York Giants owner Steve Tisch, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and players like Scott Fujita, Scott Shanle, D'Qwell Jackson and Eric Winston are among those who supported a brief filed to the U.S. Supreme Court related to Proposition 8 in California. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week on the proposition that banned same-sex marriage in the state.
The announcement of a gay football player will certainly create a lot of attention, but players like Fujita believe NFL players are ready for it.
"I honestly think the players of the NFL have been ready for an openly gay player for quite some time now," Fujita told Freeman. "Trust me, the coming out of a player would create much bigger waves outside the locker room than inside."
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