Toronto Football Players Say a Gay Teammate Would Present Challenges, But They Would Welcome One: VIDEO
Canada's Xtra caught up with Toronto Argonauts offensive lineman Joe Eppele and wide receiver Mike Bradwell at a practice last Friday ahead of their Canadian Football League playoff game, and spoke with the two players about homophobia in the sport..
Said Eppele: "Unfortunately I think it is still something that is a reality with teams and there are issues stemming from the stubborn jock mentality that some of the guys still hold on to, but I definitely think more people are becoming more open-minded....There are gay and lesbian athletes out there, they probably just don't feel comfortable at the moment to come out."
Added Bradwell, of having a gay teammate: "I can't lie and say it would be easy. But I think it would be accepted. I think we're growing as a society."
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...
yes, it would be difficult for them. getting over being associated publicly with the CFL is still priority number one.
Posted by: vwdavy | Nov 20, 2012 8:28:55 AM
The description: "Added Bradwell, of having a gay teammate: "I can't lie and say it would be easy. But I think it would be accepted. I think we're growing as a society." is kinda misleading..he was talking about the coming out of the player not how he(Bradwell) feels about having a team mate being gay.
Posted by: jayjay | Nov 20, 2012 8:29:57 AM
What year is this? Couple of douchbags pondering their delicate comfort zones around gays - YOU'RE THE ONES WITH THE PROBLEMS FELLAS!
Posted by: Bill | Nov 20, 2012 8:56:57 AM
They probably already have a gay teammate and don't know it.
Posted by: Jack M | Nov 20, 2012 9:01:32 AM
Challenges? Yep. He'd probably be better than they are.
Posted by: jomicur | Nov 20, 2012 9:10:57 AM
Here's the thing: straight guys assume that, were there a gay guy in the locker room (um, there probably is...) then they'd feel compromised. Like they wouldn't be able to bend over naked and show their butt-hole as freely as before. NEWSFLASH: just because we're gay doesn't mean we're gonna jump you in the locker room. Heck, we might not even be attracted to you. Believe that!
Posted by: Gigi | Nov 20, 2012 9:29:59 AM
I'm trying to envision the difficulties they might have, but I'm coming up short. Help me out here.
Posted by: anon | Nov 20, 2012 10:17:55 AM
Unless they are planning on having sex with them in the locker room, I don't see what the "challenge" might be.
Posted by: niles | Nov 20, 2012 4:30:00 PM
Joe and Mike seem like two good guys. Reasonable and open minded.
Posted by: andrew | Nov 20, 2012 9:27:24 PM
Joe Eppele, you've just displaced Brett Lawrie as my #1 TO sports crush.
Posted by: foobar | Nov 22, 2012 10:39:01 PM