....if a current or former Quins/Broncos great player decided to come out as being gay?

....if a current or former Hull FC great player decided to come out as being gay?

Gareth Thomas has just come out, and in his interview with the BBC he said that

[i"It's pretty tough for me being the only international rugby player prepared to break the taboo.
"Statistically I can't be the only one, but I'm not aware of any other gay player still in the game.[/i

It got me thinking that the same must apply in RL.
Would the fact they are gay alter your opinion of what kind of example they were setting as a role model within the community and especially what message they were sending your kids?

Would you think it matters at all in this day and age?

Ian Roberts the Aussie International second rower came "out" some years ago-he was one tough player

In this day and age does it really matter?

As Linda (Kathy Burke) said in "Gimme,Gimme,Gimme"...."Theres no such thing as being gay,...Its just laziness".

For some it will be "Hell in a handcart for Thomas".

For some it will be worthy of praise.

For some they will not see what difference it will make other than to the individual concerned.

As great a Union Player as Thomas is what he get's up to in his private life is no concern of mine.

I just hope he has finally got himself some peace of mind and can live a happier and more fulfilled life.

That must be the worst kept secret, can't understand why he never came out earlier.

Why do they need to come out? If he had suddenly become a caravan enthusiast would he have come out?

I find it all a bit bizarre-If his mates new as has been suggested who else needs to know(his wife I suppose)

What difference does someones sexual prefrence makes Unless Your sol Campbell

Makes 0 difference if they are gay or not, it's their choice, why should we change the way we thought about them because of it?

Don't care.

What does it matter?

Anyone, in any sport could "come out" and I'd applaud them. It's not really our business what their sexual orientation is but some people in our society can't accept that people are gay. A sportsman (or anyone in the public eye) doing it is to be admired.

Stooper -I agree but why make a statement-Thats what I dont understand-They wouldn't make one for probably any other reason except possibly crossing the law and then only to make an apology

I guess it's because the individual feels that it's a culture where being gay might not be accepted, and coming out may make other gay players feel more comfortable about coming out.