if it was to be anyone who would it be? I can't think of anyone who comes across as camp or whatever, the only possibilities maybe Joe Hart or Adam Lallana (not even sure the last one even played on Wednesday)
I would guess Joeleon Lescott, Jermain Jenas or Aaron Lennon
It's not just the press though, is it? Gay rights groups would be all over him to act as some kind of spokesperson and symbol.
Not really. The time when we needed people to blaze a trail then perpetually become the "Gay" version of whatever it is they are have pretty much passed. Tom Daley has not become the "Gay" High Board Diver. Gareth Thomas is not the "Gay" ex Rugby international.
A gay top flight footballer would be news, but amongst the LGBT communities that person would be initially applauded and welcomed, then quickly become defined by what they do rather than their orientation. Because every member of our communities is also the LGBT version of what we do. To us, the orientation is nothing special.
Besides, the only thing special about this particular individual would be that they are in the Premiership. There are other professional footballers that have already come out.
Normally someone coming out would be followed by cries of "Is this news". For once I think it would be. An England Player,before a World Cup, would be HUGE news!
Gareth Thomas was retired, Tom Daley probably wasn't really a shock and diving isn't football. Football is seen a "man's" sport, so it would break down some barriers. I'll be very interested if a player does come out,
I'll be very interested if a player does come out,
Liam Davis, who plays in the Conference, already did, as did ex-Leeds player Robbie Rogers.
Unfortunately though our media's utter obsession with the Premiership rather than the rest of the game means that a player will only be "first" if he happens to play for a Premiership club. Celeb culture nonsense all in all.
Yes, sorry but what I meant was an England player before a world cup. Robbie's on the cover of attitude this month but he's not the level of game as this guy would be, if true
In reality the first Premiership player to come out will probably do so the day after he retires from football.
Its also a remarkable marketing tool to make money after your career is over - look at Gareth Thomas for example. He would just be another retired Welsh rugby player - coming out has led to an extensive reality and media career.
Clearly there must logically be loads of gay premiership players - but they aren't going to come out while they are still playing and certainly not before a world cup. Cos the world isn't really that liberal - and footie fans aren't all that pc and progressive.
But do it at retirement - and they will make loadsamoney!:D
Comments
I would guess Joeleon Lescott, Jermain Jenas or Aaron Lennon
I haven't followed football for years, can you tell?
A gay top flight footballer would be news, but amongst the LGBT communities that person would be initially applauded and welcomed, then quickly become defined by what they do rather than their orientation. Because every member of our communities is also the LGBT version of what we do. To us, the orientation is nothing special.
Besides, the only thing special about this particular individual would be that they are in the Premiership. There are other professional footballers that have already come out.
Well said. That this is even considered an 'issue', true or not, is troubling.
Gareth Thomas was retired, Tom Daley probably wasn't really a shock and diving isn't football. Football is seen a "man's" sport, so it would break down some barriers. I'll be very interested if a player does come out,
Unfortunately though our media's utter obsession with the Premiership rather than the rest of the game means that a player will only be "first" if he happens to play for a Premiership club. Celeb culture nonsense all in all.
He had retired from rugby union, he went on to play rugby league for the Crusaders as an out gay man.
There have been rumours for years about DB.
And according to a lot of them he is very into women and many of them
Men too.;-)
Understandably.
Long-stable marriage to a woman. Fathering multiple children with her.
The signs are all there
Actually the stories about men came from before he even met Victoria.:p
But in comparison in comparing that to an England footballer about to go into the World Cup
A premier league player has already come out shortly after retirement. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2535832/Former-Premier-League-footballer-Thomas-Hitzlsperger-announces-gay.html
Ok, he's German but was well known over here as he played for several top clubs
What stories
I wasn't comparing the two, just clarifying.
Sounds like Oscar Wilde!:D
Nobody forced you to open the thread.
And would of gone on to play for Wigan if his partner hadn't got very ill... A lovely man met him a few times
That's good to hear.
He came over as just lovely on CBB and DOI.
As well as semming to be a lovely man, he's also got a pretty damn gorgeous body