NBA player Jason Collins comes out as gay

[Bailey]

I'm seeing comments here to the effect that no one's heard of this guy, he's just trying to keep his career going, etc. I'm not a sports fan, and I know most of you are, so - let me ask: if a real "sports hero" of yours came out, someone you loved to watch play, someone who was tops at his game, would it affect your perception of him? Would you stop watching him play? Just curious as to how much difference it would make.

I wouldn't support him, I don't support perverts.

[NJCardFan]

I'm seeing comments here to the effect that no one's heard of this guy, he's just trying to keep his career going, etc. I'm not a sports fan, and I know most of you are, so - let me ask: if a real "sports hero" of yours came out, someone you loved to watch play, someone who was tops at his game, would it affect your perception of him? Would you stop watching him play? Just curious as to how much difference it would make.

Which is the reason why this guy did this. Once upon a time he was a serviceable center early in his career but for the most part he's a 3 points per game bench warmer who only played in 6 games for one of the worst teams in the NBA. What's going to happen is that no one is going to pick this guy up and automatically the cries of homophobia are going to rise. This is why this guy is doing this because otherwise, no one would want him but now someone is going to be forced to sign him taking a spot away from someone who is probably better.

[LukeEDay]

Obama called him today.

[Bailey]

Obama called him today.

While that sniper who was killed not to long ago didn't even get a mention from that bastard

[LukeEDay]

While that sniper who was killed not to long ago didn't even get a mention from that bastard

That is because being opening gay is more in line with Obama's point of view.

[Bailey]

[Molon Labe]

Well, clearly he ought to be better at penetration and taking it to the hole...

When a NFL WR comes out, He may possess exeptional skill at going deep and long for the big score.

[linda22003]

Let me preface this by saying that I do beleive homosexuality is wrong. Let me follow that up by saying, I don't care what two consenting adults do behind closed doors.

I liken this to Chipper Jones, 3rd baseman for the Braves. He was screwing around on his wife with a local Hooters girl in Atlanta. I also believe adultery is just as wrong as homosexuality. Nonetheless, I still rooted for Chipper year after year because he was a part of the Atlanta Braves.

Long story short, "Just shut up and do your damn job." You just want to be treated like everyone else, then don't issue press releases divulging your private business.

Lot's of people didn't approve of interracial couples, but Charles Barkley didn't issue a statement saying he liked white women. He just married one. The public will figure it out.

Fair enough! Thanks for the response.

[linda22003]

I wouldn't support him, I don't support perverts.

And an opposing viewpoint. Thanks for the response.

[linda22003]

Okay, so three responses - one who said he would still support a sports hero even if he didn't approve of his private life, one who said he would not, and one who referenced my question but did not answer it.