Cleveland Browns Player Says Majority Of NFL Would Be Fine With A Gay Teammate

[DigitalFudge]

On Friday, Cleveland Browns linebacker, Scott Fujita, joined 92.3 The Ticket in Cleveland with Bull and Fox to discuss gay players in the locker room. The issue has become a hot topic following 49ers player Chris Culliver’s comments ahead of the Super Bowl and recent reports that prospects are being asked if they are interested in girls.


During the radio interview, Fujita said the NFL’s homophobia is a misperception:


“I think for far too long there was this perception, or I guess I would call it a misperception, that our locker rooms in the NFL are extremely homophobic and that could not be further from the truth. I was talking to a friend of mine who writes for Outsports a few years ago and at that time it was the perception. I said, ‘That’s not the case at all.’ I would argue that the overwhelming majority would be fine with having a teammate who was gay.”


The player also stressed the support a gay player would have:
“It’s important for closet gay athletes everywhere, not just at the professional level, but more importantly athletes at the younger level in high school and college, to understand they do have support around them and that they can come out and feel comfortable. And honestly, that is going to help save lives.”

Fujita also discussed whether or not it would be a problem to have a gay player in the locker room:

“It would not be an issue at all. Regarding what Ted Carter said and things are said at unfortunate times. I think it’s important not to be quick on somebody using these inappropriate words like ‘faggot’ with that person even being homophobic or discriminatory. A lot of times it’s just a common part of young men’s jargon and that’s the other part of it. We have to take this to the next level to eliminate that kind of discussion.”

Finally, he addressed the issue of coaches asking players and prospects about their sexuality:

“The onus is on the NFL to stand up and make a statement about this and to issue a memo to the clubs and really clearly define what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable. Certainly asking someone about their sexuality — first of all it’s against the law. Second of all, it’s absolutely a violation of our CBA and that’s where the NFL the onus is on them to do the right thing.”
To read the complete interview, visit Sports Radio Interviews.

Read more at http://www.queerty.com/cleveland-br...-a-gay-teammate-20130301/#PA7Eg7ZTXbUByh3Y.99

 

[HunterM]

Welcoming gays to NFL is AWESOME! Finally, I will get to see real Tight Ends and Wide Receivers on the fields.

 

[DigitalFudge]

OMFG ^^^

 

[thewanderer101]

I hope you know that he is just saying that for publicity.

 

[justanothershyguy]

I knew I always liked Scott Fujita.

Although, I wish he'd have come out and said something just after that Niner's player spoke out. But, that point aside, ha-yooge step. I dearly hope that players will have the courage to come out knowing they have backup from their teammates.

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I hope you know that he is just saying that for publicity.

Well no shit, but it's not like he's lying to get this attention

 

[loveguys72]

I predict a post-NFL career in PR for this guy. He's damn good at talking the talk (and he's hella cute! )

 

[DigitalFudge]

I hope you know that he is just saying that for publicity.

Do you have receipts? What I have is a man who is sending a message to young students everywhere that they don't have to live a limited life.


That these kids can grow up and have the man/woman of their dreams, the career of their dreams, and the life of their dreams regardless of who they are attracted to.


What have you done for the gay community lately?

 

[ronboy]

There have always been gay players in the NFL. Most all of them have remained in the closet. The first player to speak out was the late David Kopay of the San Francisco 49ers!

 

[Stoowii]

I wouldn't be surprised if this were true. Publicity stunt or genuine, I think times have changed enough for the majority of the NFL to either support gay rights or not care at all, rather than outright bash it.

That said, I would do anything and everything to this man: