Watch: Thomas Roberts Talks to Ben Cohen About Quitting Rugby to Combat Homophobia and Bullying
Earlier today, MSNBC's Thomas Roberts spoke with rugby star Ben Cohen about his anti-bullying campaign. Cohen says the response to the Stand Up Foundation has been "overwhelming" and discusses the reasons he decided to quit rugby and how the murder of his father influenced his decisions.
Cohen also talks about professional athletes who come out, and why we need someone to come out at the top of their game.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
Can it get any better? A gorgeous straight ally who travels around the country to help lgbt youth. Beautiful man inside and out.
Posted by: greatsky | May 31, 2011 5:11:59 PM
Raja, winner of Rupaul's Drag Race, single just dropped and when you buy on itunes you get a free remix by automatic panic!! e-mail diamondcrownedqueen@citrusonic.net
Posted by: cjh | May 31, 2011 5:24:14 PM
LOVE HIM!!
Posted by: Matt | May 31, 2011 5:26:12 PM
BUT WHY QUIT RUGBY?
I'VE GOT A BETTER IDEA, WHY DOESN'T HE RAFFLE OFF HIS SWEATY, STINKY JOCKSTRAPS FOR CHARITY AND RAISE MONEY FOR THE ANTIBULLYING CAMPAIGN?
Posted by: THE QUEEN | May 31, 2011 5:33:07 PM
..my two most favorite handsome men!..
Posted by: Casper | May 31, 2011 5:44:22 PM
SwOOOOOOOOON. Who doesn't love Ben?
So cute and a wonderful man. Sigh.
That is what beauty is, inside and out.
Posted by: Jonathan | May 31, 2011 6:13:08 PM
@THE QUEEN, I don't know if you were referencing the fact that he did do that, or simply made a fairly prescient joke, but every time I think of it, I can't get over the fact that Ben Cohen actually DID auction his jock strap off for such a purpose. It cleaned up, as well. Shameless but brilliant.
Posted by: BreckRoy | May 31, 2011 7:44:39 PM
You know what would be hilarious? If a straight athlete lied and said he was gay. I know I'd be rolling on the floor laughing my ass off.
Posted by: bob | May 31, 2011 11:04:24 PM
Why did he quite rugby? All top flight athletes have to retire sometime. Because he's seen as too old and taken too many big injuries to carry on playing at the highest levels of the sport. Rather than play in the lower leagues or just switch to coaching, he's decided to dedicate himself to something new that he can excel at. That's got to be admired.
Remember, rugby is a proper man's sport - not this namby-pamby American Football that gets played over there. All that padding and it stops every 3 minutes for everyone to get a pedicure - no fun at all!
Posted by: Graham Anderson | Jun 1, 2011 10:44:17 AM
Now this is a hero, mentor, champ for taking on this cause without any personal gain. Not only is is hot, handsome and sexy but he is selfless and his working efforts will effect mankind.
He's not promoting a book, event and he's straight. Thank you Ben! I'll stand with you anyday! You are a great example of a human being. Peace
Posted by: SashasDad | Jun 1, 2011 12:48:56 PM