If you've seen the headlines in the news, the Supreme Court is debating the issue of Gay Marriage.
As much as some of you like to separate politics from sports, it's time to just face the real world. Reports have surfaced this week that an active NFL player was considering coming out as a homosexual in the near future. This has sparked a debate on whether it would be a good idea or a bad idea to do so.
Per the CBS Sports Report by Mike Freeman, "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."
Per your beliefs on the issue of homosexuality and gay marriage, we would all agree that this was eventually going to happen. It's already happened in the NBA. No I'm not talking about Rudy Gay, John Amaechi was the first NBA player who became openly gay.
You might say, well there's not a Major Leaguer who has come out and I'm not talking about the Mike Piazza jokes about his sexual orientation. Glenn Burke was an Outfielder for the Oakland A's and Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1970's. He was the first player to come out as openly gay in the majors. Former Major Leaguer Billy Bean would be the 2nd Major Leaguer to come out, but didn't do so until years after his playing career.
According to Burke's wiki page, his teammates had already known and didn't seem to care. There was more concern of the reaction from the rest of the league and fans.
The NHL could also be crossing this bridge. Rumors speculate it could be a player on the Chicago Blackhawks or Montreal Canadiens.
Which brings us to the NFL. The rumor mill, in the past, has grinded out the sexual orientation question of players like Eddie George and Kordell Stewart, though both have never been confirmed.
Mant'i Te'o's interest in men or women has been question because he mistakenly perceived Jake from State Farm as a beautiful Samoan woman and because he runs a slow 40.
Where has that reaction mostly come from? If you answered the fans, you are correct.
NFL Players have spoken out against gay marriage. Some focusing on the issue, or like the bozo in the Super Bowl who spoke against gay people, then magically grown fond of them in a 24 hour period.
Having said that, the NFL players may be ready for an openly gay player in their league, but are the fans?
I don't think so.
When this player comes out, the microscope and spotlight will shine brighter on him than Tim Tebow or Tom Brady.
When this player fails, he will be ridiculed. When he achieves on the field, he will still be ridiculed.
No matter if you're a Conservative or a Liberal, this day was going to come. If it has happened in 2 major sports, a 3rd sports has a player considering, it's only foolish to deny that one day the NFL will have to cross this bridge.
This is going to happen whether you like it or not. If not soon, it will eventually.
