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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The macho environment that exists in football along with the [[hypermasculinity]] promoted by sportscasters make it difficult for a player to come out.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Stockwell|first1=Anne|last2=McAuley|first2=J. V.|title=Tackling the NFL closet|magazine=The Advocate|date=December 24, 1996|issue=723|pages=51–55|issn=0001-8996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Diaz|first=George|title=Orlando gay kicker wants to put boot to NFL stereotypes|date=April 27, 2013|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-george-diaz-kicker-alan-gendreau-0428-20130427,0,6684488.column|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD1HsatK|archivedate=April 28, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> Heterosexuality is flaunted in NFL locker rooms with the passing of [[pornographic magazine]]s and [[Pornographic video|videos]], and visits to [[strip club]]s.<ref name=morton>{{cite news|last=Morton|first=Danelle|title=Out on the edge|date=June 10, 2013|magazine=ESPN The Magazine|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9315650/former-offensive-tackle-kwame-harris-opens-six-year-nfl-career-spent-closet-espn-magazine|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6H0dT66RV|archivedate=May 30, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> Gay slurs are sometimes used in the locker room. Former NFL player [[Mark Schlereth]] said the slurs were not necessarily [[gay bashing]], believing they were "more out of ignorance than anything else. It doesn't excuse it, it's just the way it is."<ref name=covitz>{{cite news|last=Covitz|first=Randy|title=Gay athletes don't fit in what is perceived as a homophobic NFL|date=November 2, 2009|work=VictoriaAdvocate.com|url=http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/nov/02/bc-fbn-gay-sportspluskc-_-sports/?sports&nfl|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBeMg0fS|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
The macho environment that exists in football along with the [[hypermasculinity]] promoted by sportscasters make it difficult for a player to come out.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Stockwell|first1=Anne|last2=McAuley|first2=J. V.|title=Tackling the NFL closet|magazine=The Advocate|date=December 24, 1996|issue=723|pages=51–55|issn=0001-8996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Diaz |first=George |title=Orlando gay kicker wants to put boot to NFL stereotypes |date=April 27, 2013 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-george-diaz-kicker-alan-gendreau-0428-20130427,0,6684488.column |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD1HsatK?url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-george-diaz-kicker-alan-gendreau-0428-20130427%2C0%2C6684488.column |archivedate=April 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Heterosexuality is flaunted in NFL locker rooms with the passing of [[pornographic magazine]]s and [[Pornographic video|videos]], and visits to [[strip club]]s.<ref name=morton>{{cite news|last=Morton |first=Danelle |title=Out on the edge |date=June 10, 2013 |magazine=ESPN The Magazine |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9315650/former-offensive-tackle-kwame-harris-opens-six-year-nfl-career-spent-closet-espn-magazine |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6H0dT66RV?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9315650/former-offensive-tackle-kwame-harris-opens-six-year-nfl-career-spent-closet-espn-magazine |archivedate=May 30, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Gay slurs are sometimes used in the locker room. Former NFL player [[Mark Schlereth]] said the slurs were not necessarily [[gay bashing]], believing they were "more out of ignorance than anything else. It doesn't excuse it, it's just the way it is."<ref name=covitz>{{cite news|last=Covitz|first=Randy|title=Gay athletes don't fit in what is perceived as a homophobic NFL|date=November 2, 2009|work=VictoriaAdvocate.com|url=http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/nov/02/bc-fbn-gay-sportspluskc-_-sports/?sports&nfl|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBeMg0fS|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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While [[Green Bay Packers]] head coach [[Vince Lombardi]] was known to treat his players roughly in practices and during games, he insisted on unconditional respect for gay players and front office staff.<ref>http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/5/7/4307998/vince-lombardi-packers-acceptance-gay-athletes</ref> Demanding "Nothing But Acceptance" from players and coaches toward all people, Lombardi would fire a coach or release a player should they insult the sexual orientation of anyone.<ref>http://gawker.com/former-pro-football-player-reflects-on-brokeback-romanc-1506826397</ref> In Washington, Lombardi's assistant general manager, David Slatterly, was gay, as was PR director Joe Blair, who was described as Lombardi's "right-hand man."<ref>http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2013-02-03/the-nfl-beat-lombardi-and-kopay/</ref> According to son Vince Lombardi, Jr., "He saw everyone as equals, and I think having a gay brother (Hal) was a big factor in his approach...I think my father would've felt, 'I hope I've created an atmosphere in the locker room where this would not be an issue at all. And if you do have an issue, the problem will be yours because my locker room will tolerate nothing but acceptance.'"<ref name="espn.go.com">http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9237535/vince-lombardi-proud-jason-collins</ref> Upon his arrival in Washington, Lombardi was aware of tight end [[Jerry Smith (American football)|Jerry Smith's]] sexual orientation.<ref>http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/2014/02/10/45-years-ago-lombardi-accepted-a-gay-player/5381673/</ref> “Lombardi protected and loved Jerry,” said former teammate [[Dave Kopay]].<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/03/vince-lombardi-accepted-gay-players-on-his-team/</ref> Lombardi brought Smith into his office and told him that his sexual orientation would never be an issue as long as he was coaching the Redskins; Smith would be judged solely on his on-the-field performance and contribution to the team's success.<ref>http://www.rightwisconsin.com/perspectives/would-vince-lombardi-have-drafted-a-gay-player-245172971.html</ref> Under Lombardi's leadership Smith flourished, becoming an integral part of Lombardi's offense, and was voted a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career, which was also Lombardi's only season as Redskin head coach.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitJe01.htm Jerry Smith NFL Football Statistics – Pro-Football-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Lombardi invited other gay players to training camp, and would privately hope they would prove they could earn a spot on the team.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Maraniss |first=David |year=1999 |title=When Pride Still Mattered, A Life of Vince Lombardi |publisher=Simon & Schuster |page=344|isbn=978-0-618-90499-0 |url=http://www.audiobookscorner.com/Title.aspx?titleId=10459&srch=vince+lombardi |ref=harv}}</ref> At the [[Washington redskins|Washington Redskins]] [[Training camp (National Football League)|training camp]] in 1969, [[Ray McDonald (running back)|Ray McDonald]] was a [[Homosexuality|gay]] player, with sub-par skills,{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=469}} who was trying to make the Redskin roster again, {{citation needed|date=March 2011|reason=McDonald made the Redskin roster the previous 2 seasons}} but this time with Lombardi as the Redskins' new head coach. True to his word, Lombardi told running back coach, George Dickson,{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=468}} "I want you to get on McDonald and work on him and work on him – and if I hear ''one'' of you people make reference to his manhood, you'll be out of here before your ass hits the ground."{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=471}} |
While [[Green Bay Packers]] head coach [[Vince Lombardi]] was known to treat his players roughly in practices and during games, he insisted on unconditional respect for gay players and front office staff.<ref>http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/5/7/4307998/vince-lombardi-packers-acceptance-gay-athletes</ref> Demanding "Nothing But Acceptance" from players and coaches toward all people, Lombardi would fire a coach or release a player should they insult the sexual orientation of anyone.<ref>http://gawker.com/former-pro-football-player-reflects-on-brokeback-romanc-1506826397{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In Washington, Lombardi's assistant general manager, David Slatterly, was gay, as was PR director Joe Blair, who was described as Lombardi's "right-hand man."<ref>http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2013-02-03/the-nfl-beat-lombardi-and-kopay/</ref> According to son Vince Lombardi, Jr., "He saw everyone as equals, and I think having a gay brother (Hal) was a big factor in his approach...I think my father would've felt, 'I hope I've created an atmosphere in the locker room where this would not be an issue at all. And if you do have an issue, the problem will be yours because my locker room will tolerate nothing but acceptance.'"<ref name="espn.go.com">http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9237535/vince-lombardi-proud-jason-collins</ref> Upon his arrival in Washington, Lombardi was aware of tight end [[Jerry Smith (American football)|Jerry Smith's]] sexual orientation.<ref>http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/2014/02/10/45-years-ago-lombardi-accepted-a-gay-player/5381673/</ref> “Lombardi protected and loved Jerry,” said former teammate [[Dave Kopay]].<ref>http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/03/vince-lombardi-accepted-gay-players-on-his-team/</ref> Lombardi brought Smith into his office and told him that his sexual orientation would never be an issue as long as he was coaching the Redskins; Smith would be judged solely on his on-the-field performance and contribution to the team's success.<ref>http://www.rightwisconsin.com/perspectives/would-vince-lombardi-have-drafted-a-gay-player-245172971.html</ref> Under Lombardi's leadership Smith flourished, becoming an integral part of Lombardi's offense, and was voted a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career, which was also Lombardi's only season as Redskin head coach.<ref>[http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitJe01.htm Jerry Smith NFL Football Statistics – Pro-Football-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Lombardi invited other gay players to training camp, and would privately hope they would prove they could earn a spot on the team.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Maraniss |first=David |year=1999 |title=When Pride Still Mattered, A Life of Vince Lombardi |publisher=Simon & Schuster |page=344|isbn=978-0-618-90499-0 |url=http://www.audiobookscorner.com/Title.aspx?titleId=10459&srch=vince+lombardi |ref=harv}}</ref> At the [[Washington redskins|Washington Redskins]] [[Training camp (National Football League)|training camp]] in 1969, [[Ray McDonald (running back)|Ray McDonald]] was a [[Homosexuality|gay]] player, with sub-par skills,{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=469}} who was trying to make the Redskin roster again, {{citation needed|date=March 2011|reason=McDonald made the Redskin roster the previous 2 seasons}} but this time with Lombardi as the Redskins' new head coach. True to his word, Lombardi told running back coach, George Dickson,{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=468}} "I want you to get on McDonald and work on him and work on him – and if I hear ''one'' of you people make reference to his manhood, you'll be out of here before your ass hits the ground."{{sfn|Maraniss|1999|p=471}} |
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Prior to [[Super Bowl XLVII]] in 2013, [[San Francisco 49ers]] player [[Chris Culliver]] on media day during an interview with ''[[The Artie Lange Show]]'', was asked if he thought any gay players were on his team which he replied, "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do ... Can't be with that sweet stuff." He also opined that any gay players should wait 10 years after retiring before coming out.<ref>{{cite news|first=Martin|last=Rogers |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--report--niners-cb-says-openly-gay-players-would-not-be-welcomed-on-the-team-190346715.html |title=Report: Niners CB says openly gay players would not be welcomed on the team|work=yahoo.com |date=April 18, 2012 |accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref> Culliver received backlash for his comments.<ref name=burke/> Then-[[Baltimore Ravens]] player [[Brendon Ayanbadejo]], an advocate for [[same-sex marriage]], estimated that 50 percent of the league agreed with Culliver, 25 percent disagreed, and 25 percent were accepting of everyone even if they were not in complete support of issues such as gay marriage.<ref name=burke>{{cite news|last=Burke|first=Chris|title=Alan Gendreau trying to make NFL as openly gay kicker|date=April 23, 2013|work=SI.com|url=http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/23/alan-gendreau-trying-to-make-nfl-as-openly-gay-kicker/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBdtkq7o|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wetzel|first=Dan|title=Chris Culliver's remarks, Manti Te'o episode make it hard for active gay athlete to go public|date=January 31, 2013|work=yahoo.com|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--chris-culliver-s-remarks--manti-te-o-episode-make-it-hard-for-active-gay-athlete-to-go-public-194711778.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBdVnzhy|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> Culliver later apologized for his "ugly comments" that were "not what I feel in my heart".<ref name=ugly>{{cite news|title=Chris Culliver sorry for 'ugly' remarks|date=January 31, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8900782/super-bowl-2013-chris-culliver-san-francisco-49ers-says-anti-gay-opinions-not-my-heart|accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000133080/article/chris-culliver-apologizes-for-remarks-on-gay-players|title=Chris Culliver apologizes for anti-gay comments|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Breech|first=John|title=49ers' Chris Culliver: Openly gay player not welcome|publisher=CBSSports.com| date=January 30, 2013|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21624342/49ers-chris-culliver-openly-gay-player-wouldnt-be-welcome-as-his-teammate|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
Prior to [[Super Bowl XLVII]] in 2013, [[San Francisco 49ers]] player [[Chris Culliver]] on media day during an interview with ''[[The Artie Lange Show]]'', was asked if he thought any gay players were on his team which he replied, "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do ... Can't be with that sweet stuff." He also opined that any gay players should wait 10 years after retiring before coming out.<ref>{{cite news|first=Martin|last=Rogers |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--report--niners-cb-says-openly-gay-players-would-not-be-welcomed-on-the-team-190346715.html |title=Report: Niners CB says openly gay players would not be welcomed on the team|work=yahoo.com |date=April 18, 2012 |accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref> Culliver received backlash for his comments.<ref name=burke/> Then-[[Baltimore Ravens]] player [[Brendon Ayanbadejo]], an advocate for [[same-sex marriage]], estimated that 50 percent of the league agreed with Culliver, 25 percent disagreed, and 25 percent were accepting of everyone even if they were not in complete support of issues such as gay marriage.<ref name=burke>{{cite news|last=Burke |first=Chris |title=Alan Gendreau trying to make NFL as openly gay kicker |date=April 23, 2013 |work=SI.com |url=http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/23/alan-gendreau-trying-to-make-nfl-as-openly-gay-kicker/ |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBdtkq7o?url=http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/23/alan-gendreau-trying-to-make-nfl-as-openly-gay-kicker/ |archivedate=April 27, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wetzel |first=Dan |title=Chris Culliver's remarks, Manti Te'o episode make it hard for active gay athlete to go public |date=January 31, 2013 |work=yahoo.com |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--chris-culliver-s-remarks--manti-te-o-episode-make-it-hard-for-active-gay-athlete-to-go-public-194711778.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBdVnzhy?url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--chris-culliver-s-remarks--manti-te-o-episode-make-it-hard-for-active-gay-athlete-to-go-public-194711778.html |archivedate=April 27, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Culliver later apologized for his "ugly comments" that were "not what I feel in my heart".<ref name=ugly>{{cite news|title=Chris Culliver sorry for 'ugly' remarks|date=January 31, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8900782/super-bowl-2013-chris-culliver-san-francisco-49ers-says-anti-gay-opinions-not-my-heart|accessdate=January 31, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000133080/article/chris-culliver-apologizes-for-remarks-on-gay-players|title=Chris Culliver apologizes for anti-gay comments|publisher=[[National Football League]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Breech|first=John|title=49ers' Chris Culliver: Openly gay player not welcome|publisher=CBSSports.com| date=January 30, 2013|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21624342/49ers-chris-culliver-openly-gay-player-wouldnt-be-welcome-as-his-teammate|accessdate=January 30, 2013}}</ref> |
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In 2013, the NFL Rookie Symposium planned for the first time to have speakers on the issue of sexual orientation.<ref>{{cite news|last=McManus|first=Jane|title=Rookies to hear about sexuality|date=June 19, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9400228/nfl-rookie-symposium-include-speakers-issue-sexual-orientation|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6HVki2rFZ|archivedate=June 20, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> That same year, NFL player [[Chris Kluwe]] was released by the [[Minnesota Vikings]], which he believed was due to his being outspoken in support of same-sex marriage. He said that [[special teams]] coach [[Mike Priefer]] in 2012 made [[homophobic]] remarks and criticized the player for his views on same-sex marriage, a charge Priefer denied. Kluwe also alleged that head coach [[Leslie Frazier]] told him to stop speaking out on same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goessling|first=Ben|title=Kluwe: Cut due to outspoken views|date=January 2, 2014|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10232522/chris-kluwe-former-member-minnesota-vikings-says-was-cut-due-views|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/ |
In 2013, the NFL Rookie Symposium planned for the first time to have speakers on the issue of sexual orientation.<ref>{{cite news|last=McManus |first=Jane |title=Rookies to hear about sexuality |date=June 19, 2013 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9400228/nfl-rookie-symposium-include-speakers-issue-sexual-orientation |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6HVki2rFZ?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9400228/nfl-rookie-symposium-include-speakers-issue-sexual-orientation |archivedate=June 20, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> That same year, NFL player [[Chris Kluwe]] was released by the [[Minnesota Vikings]], which he believed was due to his being outspoken in support of same-sex marriage. He said that [[special teams]] coach [[Mike Priefer]] in 2012 made [[homophobic]] remarks and criticized the player for his views on same-sex marriage, a charge Priefer denied. Kluwe also alleged that head coach [[Leslie Frazier]] told him to stop speaking out on same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goessling |first=Ben |title=Kluwe: Cut due to outspoken views |date=January 2, 2014 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10232522/chris-kluwe-former-member-minnesota-vikings-says-was-cut-due-views |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6MLEiKzBc?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10232522/chris-kluwe-former-member-minnesota-vikings-says-was-cut-due-views |archivedate=January 3, 2014 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> In December, former teammates on the [[1993 Houston Oilers season|1993 Houston Oilers]] said that at least two key players on the roster were generally known by the team to be gay, and were accepted by the team. Teammate [[Bubba McDowell]] said showering with the gay teammates was “no big deal.”<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith |first=Brian T. |title=Two members of 1993 Oilers were gay; teammates knew, didn’t care |date=December 26, 2013 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/12/two-members-of-1993-oilers-were-gay-teammates-knew-didnt-care/ |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6MoDzcZC7?url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/12/two-members-of-1993-oilers-were-gay-teammates-knew-didnt-care/ |archivedate=January 22, 2014 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> In 2014, [[ESPN]] reported on [[Michael Sam]]'s showering habits in the [[St. Louis Rams]] locker room, but later apologized that it "failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports."<ref>{{cite news|last=Curtis|first=Bryan|title=The Kiss|date=December 12, 2014|work=Grantland|url=http://grantland.com/features/the-kiss-michael-sam-nfl-what-we-saw-dallas-cowboys-st-louis-rams/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213011425/http://grantland.com/features/the-kiss-michael-sam-nfl-what-we-saw-dallas-cowboys-st-louis-rams/|archivedate=December 13, 2014 |deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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==Players coming out== |
==Players coming out== |
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[[File:Michael_Sam_2014.jpg|thumb|Selected by the [[St. Louis Rams]] in 2014, [[Michael Sam]] was the first publicly gay player to be drafted into the NFL.]] |
[[File:Michael_Sam_2014.jpg|thumb|Selected by the [[St. Louis Rams]] in 2014, [[Michael Sam]] was the first publicly gay player to be drafted into the NFL.]] |
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[[NCAA Division II|Division II]] college football player [[Brian Sims]] came out to his team in 2000 while playing for [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler Jr.|first=Cyd|url=http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay |title=Former college football captain was openly gay |publisher=Outsports.com |date=April 27, 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115104425/http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay|archivedate=January 15, 2013}}</ref> and publicly told his story in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler|first=Cyd|title=Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later|date=August 24, 2011|work=outsports.com|url=http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GCMWbPUj|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> [[Alan Gendreau]] was open to his [[Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football]] team from 2008 through 2011, but they made no mention of it to the media.<ref name=watson>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/former-middle-tennessee-kicker-openly-gay-teammates-coaches-180452877--ncaaf.html|title=Former Middle Tennessee kicker was openly gay with teammates, coaches |last=Watson|first=Graham|work=yahoo.com|date=April 23, 2013|accessdate=April 23, 2013}}</ref> Otherwise, he could have been the first publicly out gay active player in [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] college football.<ref name=branch/> ''[[Outsports]]'', a Web site specializing in gays and sports, released his story about being a gay football player on April 23, 2013.<ref name=watson/><ref name=branch/> In January 2014, [[Conner Mertens]] of the [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] [[Willamette Bearcats]] publicly came out as bisexual, becoming the first active college football player at any level to publicly come out.<ref name=mertens>{{cite news|title=Active college player comes out|date=January 29, 2014|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10364727/conner-mertens-willamette-university-bearcats-comes-tells-teammates-bisexual|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6NH7tQl5k|archivedate=February 10, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=connelly>{{cite news|last=Connelly|first=Chris|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay|title=Mizzou's Michael Sam says he's gay|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 9, 2014|accessdate=February 9, 2014}}</ref> |
[[NCAA Division II|Division II]] college football player [[Brian Sims]] came out to his team in 2000 while playing for [[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler Jr.|first=Cyd|url=http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay |title=Former college football captain was openly gay |publisher=Outsports.com |date=April 27, 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115104425/http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay|archivedate=January 15, 2013}}</ref> and publicly told his story in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zeigler |first=Cyd |title=Moment #43: Brian Sims tells his story nine years later |date=August 24, 2011 |work=outsports.com |url=http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GCMWbPUj?url=http://www.outsports.com/2011/8/24/4051720/moment-43-brian-sims-tells-his-story-nine-years-later |archivedate=April 27, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> [[Alan Gendreau]] was open to his [[Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football]] team from 2008 through 2011, but they made no mention of it to the media.<ref name=watson>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/former-middle-tennessee-kicker-openly-gay-teammates-coaches-180452877--ncaaf.html|title=Former Middle Tennessee kicker was openly gay with teammates, coaches |last=Watson|first=Graham|work=yahoo.com|date=April 23, 2013|accessdate=April 23, 2013}}</ref> Otherwise, he could have been the first publicly out gay active player in [[NCAA Division I|Division I]] college football.<ref name=branch/> ''[[Outsports]]'', a Web site specializing in gays and sports, released his story about being a gay football player on April 23, 2013.<ref name=watson/><ref name=branch/> In January 2014, [[Conner Mertens]] of the [[NCAA Division III|Division III]] [[Willamette Bearcats]] publicly came out as bisexual, becoming the first active college football player at any level to publicly come out.<ref name=mertens>{{cite news|title=Active college player comes out |date=January 29, 2014 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10364727/conner-mertens-willamette-university-bearcats-comes-tells-teammates-bisexual |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6NH7tQl5k?url=http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10364727/conner-mertens-willamette-university-bearcats-comes-tells-teammates-bisexual |archivedate=February 10, 2014 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref name=connelly>{{cite news|last=Connelly|first=Chris|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay|title=Mizzou's Michael Sam says he's gay|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=February 9, 2014|accessdate=February 9, 2014}}</ref> |
||
After he retired, NFL player [[David Kopay]] in 1975 was the first major professional team-sport athlete to come out.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garber|first=Greg|title=Still waiting for a hero|date=January 15, 1999|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/otl/world/day2_part1.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GCzsogP1|archivedate=April 28, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wise|first=Mike|title=Dave Kopay knows what questions should be asked by NFL|date=April 27, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-02/sports/37384385_1_sexual-orientation-first-openly-gay-player-nfl-teams|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD0Vyb48|archivedate=April 28, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> Many experts believe that the first openly gay active NFL player will not be a current athlete who comes out, but instead an already out high school or college player who ends up in the NFL.<ref name=zeigler_04232013/><ref name=branch>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/sports/ncaafootball/nfl-hopeful-announces-he-is-gay.html?hpw&_r=1&|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|title=A Potential Pioneer, Just Looking for a Job |last=Branch|first=John|date=April 23, 2013| accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> [[CBSSports.com]] reported in April 2013 that one NFL team had a player that was not openly gay, but his teammates were aware of his sexual orientation and did not care.<ref>{{cite news|last=Freeman|first=Mike|title=Teammates, coaches knew of gay NFL player and didn't care|date=April 27, 2013|work=CBSSports.com|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mike-freeman/22097516/team-knew-of-gay-nfl-player-last-season-and-didnt-care|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBfSq4DD|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> That same month, Ayanbadejo said there were up to four NFL players who were considering coming out on the same day with the hope that any backlash would be shared and the pressure on one person reduced.<ref>{{cite news|title=Advocate: Players may come out|date=April 27, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9137573/brendon-ayanbadejo-says-four-players-considering-coming-gay|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBgYpOi2|archivedate=April 27, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> NFL commissioner [[Roger Goodell]] emphasized that [[sexual discrimination]] was unacceptable in the NFL. His statement came after players said they were asked during the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] if they liked girls.<ref>{{cite news|last=Battista|first=Judy|title=N.F.L. Will Advise Teams on Discrimination Policy|date=April 24, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/n-f-l-will-advise-teams-on-discrimination-policy/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD1nb75w|archivedate=April 28, 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
After he retired, NFL player [[David Kopay]] in 1975 was the first major professional team-sport athlete to come out.<ref>{{cite news|last=Garber |first=Greg |title=Still waiting for a hero |date=January 15, 1999 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/otl/world/day2_part1.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GCzsogP1?url=http://espn.go.com/otl/world/day2_part1.html |archivedate=April 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wise |first=Mike |title=Dave Kopay knows what questions should be asked by NFL |date=April 27, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-02/sports/37384385_1_sexual-orientation-first-openly-gay-player-nfl-teams |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD0Vyb48?url=http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-03-02/sports/37384385_1_sexual-orientation-first-openly-gay-player-nfl-teams |archivedate=April 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Many experts believe that the first openly gay active NFL player will not be a current athlete who comes out, but instead an already out high school or college player who ends up in the NFL.<ref name=zeigler_04232013/><ref name=branch>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/sports/ncaafootball/nfl-hopeful-announces-he-is-gay.html?hpw&_r=1&|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|title=A Potential Pioneer, Just Looking for a Job |last=Branch|first=John|date=April 23, 2013| accessdate=April 24, 2013}}</ref> [[CBSSports.com]] reported in April 2013 that one NFL team had a player that was not openly gay, but his teammates were aware of his sexual orientation and did not care.<ref>{{cite news|last=Freeman |first=Mike |title=Teammates, coaches knew of gay NFL player and didn't care |date=April 27, 2013 |work=CBSSports.com |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mike-freeman/22097516/team-knew-of-gay-nfl-player-last-season-and-didnt-care |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBfSq4DD?url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mike-freeman/22097516/team-knew-of-gay-nfl-player-last-season-and-didnt-care |archivedate=April 27, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> That same month, Ayanbadejo said there were up to four NFL players who were considering coming out on the same day with the hope that any backlash would be shared and the pressure on one person reduced.<ref>{{cite news|title=Advocate: Players may come out |date=April 27, 2013 |work=ESPN.com |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9137573/brendon-ayanbadejo-says-four-players-considering-coming-gay |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GBgYpOi2?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9137573/brendon-ayanbadejo-says-four-players-considering-coming-gay |archivedate=April 27, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> NFL commissioner [[Roger Goodell]] emphasized that [[sexual discrimination]] was unacceptable in the NFL. His statement came after players said they were asked during the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] if they liked girls.<ref>{{cite news|last=Battista |first=Judy |title=N.F.L. Will Advise Teams on Discrimination Policy |date=April 24, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/n-f-l-will-advise-teams-on-discrimination-policy/ |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6GD1nb75w?url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/n-f-l-will-advise-teams-on-discrimination-policy/ |archivedate=April 28, 2013 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> |
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In February 2014, Sam publicly came out after his college career had ended, and became the first publicly gay player drafted in the NFL when he was selected in the seventh round of the [[2014 NFL Draft|2014 draft]].<ref name=connelly/><ref>{{cite news|last=Belson|first=Ken|title=In Historic Pick, Rams Take Michael Sam in Final Round of Draft|date=May 10, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html?_r=0|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6PUBcQr0j|archivedate=May 11, 2014|deadurl=no}}</ref> Six months later, [[Chip Sarafin]] came out, becoming the first active Division I player to come out.<ref name="Chip Sarafin" /> The following season another [[Division I]] [[offensive lineman]], Mason Darrow of [[Princeton]], also came out publicly.<ref> [http://www.outsports.com/2015/9/15/9321513/mason-darrow-gay-football-princeton] "One of the Guys"</ref> In August 2015, Sam became the first publicly gay player to play in a [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) regular season game.<ref name=sam_1st_cfl>{{cite news |
In February 2014, Sam publicly came out after his college career had ended, and became the first publicly gay player drafted in the NFL when he was selected in the seventh round of the [[2014 NFL Draft|2014 draft]].<ref name=connelly/><ref>{{cite news|last=Belson |first=Ken |title=In Historic Pick, Rams Take Michael Sam in Final Round of Draft |date=May 10, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html?_r=0 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6PUBcQr0j?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html?_r=1 |archivedate=May 11, 2014 |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> Six months later, [[Chip Sarafin]] came out, becoming the first active Division I player to come out.<ref name="Chip Sarafin" /> The following season another [[Division I]] [[offensive lineman]], Mason Darrow of [[Princeton]], also came out publicly.<ref> [http://www.outsports.com/2015/9/15/9321513/mason-darrow-gay-football-princeton] "One of the Guys"</ref> In August 2015, Sam became the first publicly gay player to play in a [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) regular season game.<ref name=sam_1st_cfl>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-is-1st-openly-gay-man-to-play-in-cfl-regular-season-game-1.3183929 |title=Michael Sam is 1st openly gay man to play in CFL regular season game |work=cbc.ca |date=August 7, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6agQUTref?url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/michael-sam-is-1st-openly-gay-man-to-play-in-cfl-regular-season-game-1.3183929 |archivedate=August 10, 2015 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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| <ref>{{cite news|title=Domestic charges for Kwame Harris |url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8892463/kwame-harris-former-san-francisco-49er-charged-former-boyfriend-beating |date=January 29, 2013 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6E2pX5FCH?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8892463/kwame-harris-former-san-francisco-49er-charged-former-boyfriend-beating |archivedate=January 29, 2013 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay |title=Former college football captain was openly gay |work=[[Outsports]] |first=Cyd |last=Zeigler, Jr. |authorlink=Cyd Zeigler, Jr. |date=27 April 2009 |accessdate=14 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115104425/http://www.outsports.com/os/index.php/component/content/article/43-2009/228-former-college-football-captain-was-openly-gay |archivedate=15 January 2013 |df= }}</ref> |
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Revision as of 13:55, 4 April 2017
Few American football players have come out as gay. Six former National Football League (NFL) players have come out publicly after they retired.[1] There has never been anyone who has been publicly out while playing in the NFL.[1] Michael Sam was selected by the St. Louis Rams in 2014 NFL Draft, and became the first publicly gay player drafted in the league, but was released before the start of the regular season. He became the first publicly gay player to play in the Canadian Football League in August 2015. In college football, Division III player Conner Mertens came out as bisexual in January 2014, becoming the first active college football player at any level to publicly come out. In August 2014, Arizona State player Chip Sarafin became the first publicly out active Division I player.[2]
Part of the American football series on the |
History of American football |
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Origins of American football |
Close relations to other codes |
Topics |
Reception
The macho environment that exists in football along with the hypermasculinity promoted by sportscasters make it difficult for a player to come out.[3][4] Heterosexuality is flaunted in NFL locker rooms with the passing of pornographic magazines and videos, and visits to strip clubs.[5] Gay slurs are sometimes used in the locker room. Former NFL player Mark Schlereth said the slurs were not necessarily gay bashing, believing they were "more out of ignorance than anything else. It doesn't excuse it, it's just the way it is."[6]
While Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi was known to treat his players roughly in practices and during games, he insisted on unconditional respect for gay players and front office staff.[7] Demanding "Nothing But Acceptance" from players and coaches toward all people, Lombardi would fire a coach or release a player should they insult the sexual orientation of anyone.[8] In Washington, Lombardi's assistant general manager, David Slatterly, was gay, as was PR director Joe Blair, who was described as Lombardi's "right-hand man."[9] According to son Vince Lombardi, Jr., "He saw everyone as equals, and I think having a gay brother (Hal) was a big factor in his approach...I think my father would've felt, 'I hope I've created an atmosphere in the locker room where this would not be an issue at all. And if you do have an issue, the problem will be yours because my locker room will tolerate nothing but acceptance.'"[10] Upon his arrival in Washington, Lombardi was aware of tight end Jerry Smith's sexual orientation.[11] “Lombardi protected and loved Jerry,” said former teammate Dave Kopay.[12] Lombardi brought Smith into his office and told him that his sexual orientation would never be an issue as long as he was coaching the Redskins; Smith would be judged solely on his on-the-field performance and contribution to the team's success.[13] Under Lombardi's leadership Smith flourished, becoming an integral part of Lombardi's offense, and was voted a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career, which was also Lombardi's only season as Redskin head coach.[14] Lombardi invited other gay players to training camp, and would privately hope they would prove they could earn a spot on the team.[15] At the Washington Redskins training camp in 1969, Ray McDonald was a gay player, with sub-par skills,[16] who was trying to make the Redskin roster again, [citation needed] but this time with Lombardi as the Redskins' new head coach. True to his word, Lombardi told running back coach, George Dickson,[17] "I want you to get on McDonald and work on him and work on him – and if I hear one of you people make reference to his manhood, you'll be out of here before your ass hits the ground."[18]
Prior to Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, San Francisco 49ers player Chris Culliver on media day during an interview with The Artie Lange Show, was asked if he thought any gay players were on his team which he replied, "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do ... Can't be with that sweet stuff." He also opined that any gay players should wait 10 years after retiring before coming out.[19] Culliver received backlash for his comments.[20] Then-Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo, an advocate for same-sex marriage, estimated that 50 percent of the league agreed with Culliver, 25 percent disagreed, and 25 percent were accepting of everyone even if they were not in complete support of issues such as gay marriage.[20][21] Culliver later apologized for his "ugly comments" that were "not what I feel in my heart".[22][23][24]
In 2013, the NFL Rookie Symposium planned for the first time to have speakers on the issue of sexual orientation.[25] That same year, NFL player Chris Kluwe was released by the Minnesota Vikings, which he believed was due to his being outspoken in support of same-sex marriage. He said that special teams coach Mike Priefer in 2012 made homophobic remarks and criticized the player for his views on same-sex marriage, a charge Priefer denied. Kluwe also alleged that head coach Leslie Frazier told him to stop speaking out on same-sex marriage.[26] In December, former teammates on the 1993 Houston Oilers said that at least two key players on the roster were generally known by the team to be gay, and were accepted by the team. Teammate Bubba McDowell said showering with the gay teammates was “no big deal.”[27] In 2014, ESPN reported on Michael Sam's showering habits in the St. Louis Rams locker room, but later apologized that it "failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports."[28]
Players coming out
Division II college football player Brian Sims came out to his team in 2000 while playing for Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania,[29] and publicly told his story in 2009.[30] Alan Gendreau was open to his Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football team from 2008 through 2011, but they made no mention of it to the media.[31] Otherwise, he could have been the first publicly out gay active player in Division I college football.[32] Outsports, a Web site specializing in gays and sports, released his story about being a gay football player on April 23, 2013.[31][32] In January 2014, Conner Mertens of the Division III Willamette Bearcats publicly came out as bisexual, becoming the first active college football player at any level to publicly come out.[33][34]
After he retired, NFL player David Kopay in 1975 was the first major professional team-sport athlete to come out.[35][36] Many experts believe that the first openly gay active NFL player will not be a current athlete who comes out, but instead an already out high school or college player who ends up in the NFL.[1][32] CBSSports.com reported in April 2013 that one NFL team had a player that was not openly gay, but his teammates were aware of his sexual orientation and did not care.[37] That same month, Ayanbadejo said there were up to four NFL players who were considering coming out on the same day with the hope that any backlash would be shared and the pressure on one person reduced.[38] NFL commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized that sexual discrimination was unacceptable in the NFL. His statement came after players said they were asked during the NFL Scouting Combine if they liked girls.[39]
In February 2014, Sam publicly came out after his college career had ended, and became the first publicly gay player drafted in the NFL when he was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 draft.[34][40] Six months later, Chip Sarafin came out, becoming the first active Division I player to come out.[41] The following season another Division I offensive lineman, Mason Darrow of Princeton, also came out publicly.[42] In August 2015, Sam became the first publicly gay player to play in a Canadian Football League (CFL) regular season game.[43]
* Posthumously outed
† Drafted in the 2014 NFL draft, but has not played in the league.
See also
References
- ^ a b c Zeigler, Cyd (April 23, 2013). "Coming out kicking: Openly gay former college kicker tries for the NFL". Outsports. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ Zeigler, Cyd (August 13, 2014). "Arizona State football offensive lineman Chip Sarafin comes out as gay". Outsports. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
- ^ Stockwell, Anne; McAuley, J. V. (December 24, 1996). "Tackling the NFL closet". The Advocate (723): 51–55. ISSN 0001-8996.
- ^ Diaz, George (April 27, 2013). "Orlando gay kicker wants to put boot to NFL stereotypes". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 28, 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Morton, Danelle (June 10, 2013). "Out on the edge". ESPN The Magazine. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Covitz, Randy (November 2, 2009). "Gay athletes don't fit in what is perceived as a homophobic NFL". VictoriaAdvocate.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2013.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/5/7/4307998/vince-lombardi-packers-acceptance-gay-athletes
- ^ http://gawker.com/former-pro-football-player-reflects-on-brokeback-romanc-1506826397[permanent dead link]
- ^ http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2013-02-03/the-nfl-beat-lombardi-and-kopay/
- ^ http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9237535/vince-lombardi-proud-jason-collins
- ^ http://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/2014/02/10/45-years-ago-lombardi-accepted-a-gay-player/5381673/
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