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If you didn't hear, University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam just announced publicly that he is gay, something that he revealed to his coaches and teammates this past season. He's eligible for the NFL draft and was projected as a mid- to late-round pick. Some are now saying this will hurt his stock. NBA player Jason Collins came out last year, but he hasn't played since, probably more because his career was towards the end anyway. NFL safety Kerry Rhodes had some VERY suspect pictures emerge of he and a male "assistant", but anyone with eyes can tell they were involved. He's still a serviceable player, but he hasn't found a job since either, despite him denying being gay.

How do you feel about this? I think its cool and a step in the right direction. Detractors say that he should keep it to himself, and "why does he have to make a big deal out of it?" I would agree, except the reason its a big deal is because of the intolerance of many of those same people who want him to keep quiet. I hope we get to a point where we don't even bat an eyelash at stuff like this, but we're not there yet. As long as people denounce homosexuality, coming out will be a big deal. If those people want the fanfare to go away, the hatred needs to go away first.

As a former player myself, I would be fine with a gay teammate. I'm not afraid to change or shower in front of him. What, is he gonna try to have sex with me? Haha. If he ever approached me like that, I'd just politely tell him that I'm not gay. I'm pretty sure he'd understand and not force the issue.

The one thing that worries me for Sam is that, although I don't have the actual numbers on it, NFL players are largely one or more of the following: Southern, black, and/or christian. I can't paint everyone with the same brush, but I don't think its outrageous to say that a significant amount of people in those groups are intolerant towards homosexuals.

I think 20 years from now this will be a non-issue, but its obviously kind of a big deal right now. I personally applaud the kid for having the courage to reveal something about himself that will probably affect his career. I don't know that it was necessarily SMART, but it was courageous. It will likely dissuade teams from drafting him, if not because of bigotry, then because of the fear of a media circus surrounding it. Also, locker room politics come into play, whether its right or wrong.

What are you guys' thoughts on it?