Brazilian Footballer Ronaldo: I'm Not Gay

Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, who plays for the Italian club AC Milan and has recently been caught up in controversy surrounding three transvestite prostitutes who allegedly tried to extort money from him, wants to make it clear that he's not gay.

Ronaldo told Brazilian TV: "My contract with Milan ends in June, after that, I am able to talk with whoever I want regarding my future. I already have a plan more or less laid out, and that is my dream to move to Flamengo, I know that the doors there will always be open for me. As for what happened, I did not have any sexual dealings with those people, I must stress that I am not gay. When I told my girlfriend, she started to shout, scream and swear at me, I think she’ll find it hard to forgive me."

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Former Juventus Head Moggi: Football is No Place for Gays

The former managing director of Italian football club Juventus spoke to Klaus Davi on Italy's TV program KlausCondicio on Monday and said that he would never sign a gay player because the sport is not made for homosexuals. He also fears for the players undressed in the showers.

"There are no gays in football, I don't know if players are against having them in their team but I definitely am. In the teams where I worked there were never any. I never wanted to have a homosexual player and I still wouldn't sign one. I'm old school but I know the ambience of football and a gay wouldn't be able to survive within it. A homosexual cannot do the job of a footballer. The football world is not designed for them, it's a special atmosphere, one in which you stand naked under the showers."

AFTER THE JUMP, a look at that "special atmosphere"...

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Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart Acts Out his Nick Lachey Fantasy

In photos that emerged on the net late last week, Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Matt Leinart scores on one of his buddies while dressed as a member of the boyband 98 Degrees.

He and Brady Quinn should get together. It'd be a gay old time.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Scores One in Rome

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo pleased fans back at home in the team's 2-0 win over Roma last night, doffing his shirt and exchanging it with French Defender Philippe Mexes. Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both scored goals to advance the team in the Champions League.

One more shot, AFTER THE JUMP...

Previously
Cristiano Ronaldo Has Some Seductive Weapons in His Arsenal [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo: Me Look Pretty One Day [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo is Back [tr]
Cristiano Ronaldo Takes a Hit Where it Counts [tr]

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News: Rick Astley, Zimbabwe, Fat Joe, David Cook, Karl Lagerfeld

Zimbabwe: Intelligence officers for the government of Robert Mugabe force opposition supporters to take down their posters and eat them. "Amnesty International cited a case on March 7, when three members of the Morgan Tsvangirai-led faction of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were ordered by intelligence officers to take down election posters. According to Amnesty, the officials forced the opposition supporters to chew the posters and swallow them."

Fat Joe and Suge White mock fellow hip-hop artists 50 Cent and G-Unit with 'Gay-Unit' mix tape: "Featuring a Photoshoped image of 50, Yayo and Banks tightly embraced, all three rappers are portrayed with smeared lipstick on the face, as Yayo was tattooed with a "I Miss Jail" on his right shoulder and Banks sporting a portrait of Curtis on his left shoulder with 'Delicious' tagged under." (image via Rod 2.0)

American Idol: Is David Cook an 'original', or just a really good cover artist?

University of Pittsburgh study: LGB youth report higher rates of drug and alcohol use. "The odds of substance use for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth are on average 190 percent higher than for heterosexual youth...What's more, for some sub-populations of LGB youth, the odds were substantially higher, including 340 percent for bisexual youth and 400 percent for lesbians, researchers found. 'Homophobia, discrimination and victimization are largely what are responsible for these substance use disparities in young gay people,' said Michael P. Marshal, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, who led the study. 'History shows that when marginalized groups are oppressed and do not have equal opportunities and equal rights, they suffer. Our results show that gay youth are clearly no exception.'"

The second coming of Rick Astley: the "Never Gonna Give you Up" singer talks about the RickRoll.

Apparently they are remaking the 70's kids TV show Land of the Lost at the La Brea Tar Pits, but I don't know how you can ever replicate the wonderfully bad fake dinos and the Sleestaks...

Ellen Degeneres top television host in new poll.

'Domestic partnership' to become 'mutual commitment' in Salt Lake City? "Some legislators argued that the term 'domestic partnership,' at least in spirit, violated Utah's constitutional Amendment No. 3, which bans same-sex marriage and substantially similar civil unions. Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker said Tuesday he will recommend to the City Council that the name be changed to the mutual commitment registry. The City Council likely will consider the recommendation at its April 1 meeting. If approved, the registry could be up and running as soon as April 7."

Ronald Haines, Episcopal Bishop who ordained lesbian in 1991, dies in Pennsylvania.

Karl Lagerfeld the subject of new documentary: "The film is Lagerfeld Gone Wild, with delights such as Lagerfeld discussing how gay people suck nowadays because they no longer outrage 'bourgeois social norms' and why prostitution should be legal. He's full of opinions."

Mario Lopez hawks abtastic new fitness book.

Vienna LGBT group announces poster competition to raise awareness about homophobia in football: "With the European championships to be held in Austria and Switzerland this summer, Qwien said it wanted to draw attention to homophobia in football. 'By launching a Europe-wide poster competition, we will make an otherwise taboo topic public' during the championships, it said. Posters had to be submitted by the end of May. The best 50 would be selected and then a jury - including Icelandic film director Robert Douglas, Life Ball organiser Gery Keszler, the president of Hamburg's FC St. Pauli football club Corny Littmann, pop singer Jimmy Somerville and Tanja Walther of the the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation - would pick the best three. The winner would be announced on June 4. The 50 best posters would be displayed "at a public venue" during the championship itself, which runs from June 7-29." (official site)

More gay looks for Jay Leno.

L.A.'s first openly gay police officer seeks new trial in discrimination suit: "Former Sgt. Mitchell Grobeson wants a rehearing of a discrimination suit that sought up to $4.4 million in damages. A jury ruled for the city last year. A Superior Court judge on Tuesday took under submission Grobeson's motions for a new trial and reinstatement to the LAPD. Grobeson did two stints with the LAPD in the 1980s and 1990s before retiring on a psychological disability. The LAPD settled a previous suit by Grobeson in 1993 by promising to improve its hiring and training of gay officers."

Remember Aquaman? Alan Ritchson a superhero again.

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Anderson Cooper and David Beckham Face Off

On Friday, I posted about Anderson Cooper's upcoming David Beckham profile on 60 Minutes which aired last night. If you missed it, the full 60 Minutes segment is AFTER THE JUMP...

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Anderson Cooper Takes a Tour of David Beckham's Tattoos

Anderson Cooper learns how Beckham "bends it" on 60 Minutes this Sunday in a profile of the L.A. Galaxy superstar. Cooper tends goal while Beckham demonstrates his signature kick and Cooper gets in the game, making a few valiant attempts to block the goal. I'd like to see some of those other 60 Minutes correspondents try and do the same. Of course, when the motivation is getting a guided tour of Beckham's tattoos, who wouldn't give the goal a try...

Below, click to enlarge a couple screen caps of Cooper's goal-blocking attempts.

Watch two clips from the segment, AFTER THE JUMP...

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News: PETA, Star Trek, NYC Waterfalls, Bugs, Shock Therapy

Gay, Jewish students targeted by hate threats at Stanford: " Jireh Tan ‘11 was sitting in his Resident Assistant’s dorm room the week after Thanksgiving break when his RA passed him an envelope. In it was his door sign. On it, someone had written 'die fag fag fag fag.' 'When I saw it my blood was chilled,' he said. 'I felt really scared.'"

Claim: Britney Spears has multiple personalities. "Sources have told them that the fake British accent is more than just a fake accent. When Brit stops using the accent she has no idea what she did during the time she was using it. Britney apparently was the 'British girl' when she didn't show up to her deposition and has no recollection of it whatsoever."

Consumer group asks Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to offiically reclassify PETA as a "slaughterhouse" following the revelation of the hundreds of pets they euthanized in a single year: "An official report filed by PETA itself shows that the animal rights group put to death nearly every dog, cat, and other pet it took in for adoption in 2006. During that year, the well-known animal rights group managed to find adoptive homes for just 12 animals."

The first real shot of the USS Enterprise from JJ Abrams' Star Trek film has been released along with a teaser trailer.

Gay and lesbian ex-pat bankers overseas still facing plenty of discrimination.

Don't go chasing waterfalls: NYC to get aquatic public art project this summer. "There will be four illuminated waterfalls in all, ranging from 90-120 feet in height, and one will be located off the coast of Governors Island. Yep, they somehow found a way to make Gov's Island even more creepy at night!"

Iowa Supreme Court hands down ruling in gay adoption case, sends it back to district court: "The case involves Heather Schott and Jamie Schott, the children's natural parent. After they ended their relationship, Heather Schott asked a district court to determine child custody, physical care and support for the children. The court ruled an unmarried adult can't adopt without terminating the rights of both natural parents, and that since Jamie Schott's rights weren't terminated the adoptions weren't valid. The Supreme Court says the adoptions are similar to stepparent adoptions and that the district court has jurisdiction. The high court sent the case back to district court."

Richard Hatch miserable in prison: "The openly gay ex-Army man, doing four years for tax evasion, is 'having such a hard time in prison. To be honest, I think he's starting to lose it. I don't think he'll make it and he looks horrible,' former 'Survivor' contestant Jenna Morasca told Steppin' Out's Chaunce Hayden at Hawaiian Tropic Zone. 'He's really going out of his mind . . . He blames ['Survivor' creator] Mark Burnett for all his troubles . . . He literally hates Mark and he claims he's going to write a tell-all book when he gets out.'"

Box Turtle Bulletin takes a look back at electric shock aversion therapy for gay people: "In experimental psychology electric shock has been widely used both in animals and in humans. In clinical treatment, however, it has been less often used. The technique is simpler, more accurately controlled, and more certain in producing an unpleasant effect than drugs. This article describes a simple apparatus designed by one of us (R. J. McG.) and its use in the aversive treatment of sexual perversions, alcoholism, smoking, and neurotic symptoms. Apparatus. — The components are cheap (under £1) and fit into a box approximately 6 in. (15 cm.) square and 2 in. (5 cm.) deep (Figs. 1 and 2). It is powered by a 9-volt battery and is therefore completely portable. The shock is administered through electrodes on a cuff around the patient’s forearm."

Hillary Clinton campaign denounces Spanish language ad from one of Obama's labor allies. Ad: "Hillary Clinton does not respect our people. Hillary Clinton is shameless. Sen. Obama is defending our right to vote. Sen. Obama wants our votes. He respects our votes, our community, and our people. Sen. Obama’s campaign slogan is 'Si Se Puede.' Vote for a president who respects us, and who respects our right to vote."

The five most HORRIFYING bugs in the world.

Those naughty Abercrombie zombies are back for Spring.

Scotland's only gay football club prepares for first game: "The Edinburgh-based HotScots FC now boasts 75 members, less than a year after it was set up. They are going to take on Haddington Select in a friendly match at Aubigny Sports Centre. Chairman and founder Kevin Rowe said: "This will be instrumental in our preparation for the Gay World Cup in August. 'By playing local teams, we can break down barriers surrounding homophobia in sport and dispel a few myths that gay people and football simply do not mix.'"

Colin Farrell turning into a silver fox.

Scientist clones himself? "In a breakthrough certain to provoke an ethical furore, Samuel Wood created embryo copies of himself by placing his skin cells in a woman's egg. The embryos were the first to be made from cells taken from adult humans. Although they survived for only five days and were smaller than a pinhead, they are seen as a milestone in the quest for treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."

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Sportrait: Raúl

Real Madrid's team captain Raúl was spotted catching some sun time in Miami Beach over the holiday.

In related news, that team's president is reportedly set to make a record £50 million play for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has expressed his interest in playing in Spain at the height of his career. In the meantime, enjoy Raúl.

One more shot AFTER THE JUMP...

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Battle of the Beckham Bulge: Stuffed Armanis?

Following the release of David Beckham's thighs-wide-open Emporio Armani underwear campaign yesterday, there were plenty of questions raised about the legitimacy of the cotton mound in the center of that shot, and not just on Towleroad. Given the footballer's fondness for prancing around in a white Speedo and the subsequent availability of paparazzi photos it seems that Beckham's bulge may, in fact, be quite legit.

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Reserve Met on David Beckham's French Fry!

David Beckham's recent visit to New Zealand has inspired a flurry of online auctions featuring items that crazed fans have scavenged in the football player's wake.

The Herald Sun reports: "In an effort to attract bids, the seller notes on the Trademe online auction site that the bottle is still one quarter full. 'Mostly backwash I would imagine,' the seller says in answer to a query...Other goods up for sale include cutlery Beckham apparently used, and a photocopy of a signature Beckham made on the boarding pass he used while travelling from Australia to New Zealand."

Reserve has been met on a French Fry that he failed to gobble. Next bid: $5.00 The seller writes: "Warning, as this chip has been on the floor it is not suitable to eat only a souvenir."

Also available: A Coke bottle (with Coke left!) and Beckham's half-eaten corncob.

The corn cob is at $81!

And if anyone was wondering, CRAZY is also for sale, and apparently, free.

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Elton John Reminds Crowd What David Beckham's Got Down Under

Australia not only celebrated the election of a new Prime Minister over the weekend, but also honored the arrival of the L.A. Galaxy's David Beckham to Sydney with a star-studded party.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Elton John was in usual outspoken form: "Sydney's A-list may have been starstruck but it took Elton John to break the ice at the Foxtel is Football party last night, greeting guest of honour David Beckham with a cheeky quote, 'Allo Golden Balls'. The football king and queen of crocodile rock's friendly banter kicked off the fun at Cafe Sydney, where the A-list went ga-ga over the LA Galaxy superstar. While the rest of the team were happy to take in the view, local eyes were fixed on the bronzed Beckham."

Also in attendance, retired Olympian Ian Thorpe.

ADDENDUM: As noted in the comments, Beckham's visit has also created controversy because his entourage reportedly swept by a group of children with cancer upon his arrival to the hotel. Beckham says he didn't see them: "I would never have done that. Never have done, never will do. I'm more than willing to meet them wherever they want and at whatever time that they want."

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David Beckham Upstaged by Streaker in Vancouver

As the Vancouver Sun notes, this year David Beckham has evolved into more of a "box office attraction" than a serious football player, due to his various injuries.

Last night the L.A. Galaxy played an exhibition match against the Vancouver Whitecaps up in British Columbia and an "exhibition" match it was.

The Vancouver Sun reported that while Beckham generated much interest he was upstaged by both a marriage proposal that took place on the stadium's big screen, as well as a very enthusiastic streaker that made his way around the stadium:

"When the English idol left in the 73rd minute, he clapped his hands above his head in appreciation of the crowd, which gave him its third-loudest ovation of the evening. A young lady named Tricia Rattie saying yes, on the JumboTron, to her boyfriend's request to marry him, and a streaker who ran down the field in the 56th minute got bigger reactions."

Becks was seen laughing at the incident and later told the paper: "I have seen it before. We've had it a few times in Europe [and] you try and run the other way."

(image source, source)

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Cristiano Ronaldo Has Some Seductive Weapons in His Arsenal

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, fully recovered from his recent black eye, bid a fond farewell to rival midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal following their 2-2 match-up on Saturday.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

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(image source, source)

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David Beckham: Tom Cruise Shoved Nothing Down My Throat

This month, British men's style magazine ARENA is having a relaunch, with L.A. Galaxy's sometime player David Beckham on its cover. In the issue, Beckham discusses life in Hollywood, as well as his close friendship with TomKat:

"We respect their religion. We respect everything they do and believe in. But they have never turned around to us and said, 'You have to be a part of this', because that's not what they're about. It's never been about that. There's been nothing shoved down our throats because friends don't do things like that. They are amazing people who are just so positive about life and they have been great to us."

Beckham recently announced that he would make his final appearance for the Galaxy this season in a charity match that would pit the Galaxy against "Hollywood United FC" to raise money for the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help wildfire victims.

According to the AP: "The Hollywood lineup is expected to include actors Anthony LaPaglia, Jimmy Jean-Louis and Costas Mandylor; musicians Steve Jones and Vivian Campbell; and former World Cup players Frank Leboeuf, Richard Gough, Joe-Max Moore and Eric Wynalda. Former Galaxy standouts Lalas and Mauricio Cienfuegos also are set to play."

If Beckham is such good friends with TomKat, why aren't they playing, along with Posh, Marc Anthony, and J Lo? Why not throw a few more paparazzi nutjobs in there as well? Now that would really raise some cash.

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Me Look Pretty One Day

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo showed up to a signing for his new book Moments trying to cover up a black eye and a forehead gash sustained during a match on Tuesday.

At least his ego wasn't bruised. He told reporters gathered there: "It's not a problem. In four or five days I will be beautiful once again."

Ronaldo was elbowed in a collision with Mirko Vucinic of Roma:

Said Ronaldo of the injury: "I don't think it was intentional. I don't like to look like this but this kind of thing can happen in football."

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Argentina's Los Dogos Win Gay World Cup of Football

Our Towleroad correspondent in Buenos Aires, Dan Fastenberg, sent us these shots of Argentinian club Los Dogos, following their win of the gay football world cup on Saturday. Los Dogos beat British title-holders Stonewall 1-0 in he first gay World Cup to be held in Latin America.

Tomas Gomez, the current IGLFA president, told Fastenberg that it made perfect sense for the event to be held in Buenos Aires, the first country in its region to legalize civil unions: "There’s enough advancement here, and it is noteworthy."

Wrote Fastenberg for the Buenos Aires Herald: "With the first Latin American breakthrough, which was supported by the Buenos Aires city government through its sports department, Buenos Aires now joins a lineup of cities like Atlanta, Copenhagen, and Fort Lauderdale to have hosted the annual Gay World Cup, which has been organized in some form since 1987. 2007 also marks the 25th anniversary of the inaugural Gay Games in San Francisco, out of which the Gay World Cup originally grew.

Said Dogos Captain Mauro Cambone upon his acceptance of the team's trophy: "I’d like to thank God, and all of my team for all the hard work, and the support of the Buenos Aires city government for everything. This was such a thrilling win, and it was great to show Buenos Aires that there’s more to us than our nightlife."

The tournament was not without its activism either. At one of the matches, a banner was unfurled calling for civil unions in all of Argentina, not just Buenos Aires itself.

The AFP reports: "The two teams were among 28 squads from Europe, the Americas and Australia that participated in the 10th gay football world championship aimed at highlighting the fight against homophobia and discrimination."

(Images: Dan Fastenberg)

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News: Hobbits, Marcia Brady, Gay GOP, Nude Sunbathing

Remains of human "hobbits" discovered in Indonesia.

L.A. Times no fan of Boy George's fashion line: "Been wondering what clever Boy George is up to lately? Of course, you haven't. Despite that, here's a sneak peek at his latest endeavor -- a retro punk clothing line called B-Rude. We don't really want to hurt him (or his feelings), but this bright neon, ripped, safety-pinned sportswear is so been there/done that. It's a blatant rip-off of the late designer Stephen Sprouse's '80s collections...he only person I could see wanting to wear this stuff is teen idol/punkette poseur Avril Lavigne. Hey, she's already got the crass finger flip down pat."

Political fallout for San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders unclear following his tearful press conference yesterday in which he changed his position and threw his support behind a resolution urging the California Supreme Court to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Provincetown beachgoers receive retroactive nude sunbathing tickets from Cape Cod National Seashore undercover police.

The Bahamas Christian Council battling to keep LOGO off the air on Cable Bahamas. BCC PrResident John Humes: "I don't think it would be in the best interest for Cable Bahamas to proceed with incorporating this channel. There may be a market there but we already have enough problems with what we have now [in terms of channels on Cable Bahamas]. And to bring a gay agenda into the mix, we will not stand by idly and allow that to happen, for sure."

Britney Spears' patience with the media is wearing thin.

200 rally in Hollywood marriage equality protest at Arnold Schwarzengger's Walk of Fame star.

Salon's Gay Guide to the GOP: "On one end, there is Rudy Giuliani, a former New York mayor who has lived with gay friends, favors gay domestic partnerships, and sometimes dresses in drag. At the other end, there is Alan Keyes, who calls lesbians 'selfish hedonists,' even though his only daughter is a lesbian. There exists, shall we say, a veritable rainbow of variation in between."

Brady Bunch shocker: Behind-the-scenes "sexual hijinks" between Marcia and Jan.

World Cup of gay soccer to kick off in Buenos Aires.

20/20 to cover "ex-Gay" conference Love Won Out tonight: "It's about people who have to make tough choices in their lives."

UK schools urge police intervention in cyber-bullying cases: "The threat of legal sanctions on top of school disciplinary measures, including the confiscation of mobile phones and temporary bans or restricted access to the internet, is recommended in far tougher guidance to combat the increasing incidence of this form of bullying. Research for the new campaign found one in three 12-15-year-olds reported having been cyberbullied, a higher proportion than other surveys. Teacher unions, too, say members are being subjected to demeaning and offensive attacks through pupils' videos and comments on websites."

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News: Matt Damon, Maryland Marriage, NYC Subway, Brazil

UK Stonewall equality organization announces award nominees: "Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton, comedian Sue Perkins, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, rapper Mz Fontaine and The Feeling vocalist Dan Gillespie-Sells are nominated for Entertainer of the Year."

Can you hear me now? New York City subway stations to be wired for cell phone service: "The cellphone network will start in six downtown Manhattan stations in two years. Once it is shown to be working properly, Transit Wireless will have four more years to outfit the rest of the underground stations. Under the agreement, the first six stations are to be those at 23rd Street and 14th Street on the Eighth Avenue line, 14th Street on the Seventh Avenue line, 14th Street on the Sixth Avenue line, and Eighth Avenue and Sixth Avenue on the L line. All areas of the stations, including entryways, mezzanines, platforms and transfer passages, will be wired. The system will be designed to allow a seamless connection between the train and street level, so that users will not lose calls as they move in or out of the stations, according to Gary Simpson, president of Nab Construction, a Queens company that is a partner in the wireless venture."

Two elementary school boys charged with criminal sexual conduct after allegedly forcing another boy to perform oral sex during school bus ride.

Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman, Carrie Fisher, Lynn Whitfield, Joanna Gleason, Ana Gasteyer and Debi Mazar join Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Candice Bergen in remake of The Women currently shooting in Boston.

Matt Damon: "After Iraq, the Bush administration disgusts me."

Amy Winehouse disappoints at Britain's MOBO awards.

Britney Spears continues downward spiral: heads to the club after judge accuses her of substance abuse.

Forget football. David Beckham to design costumes for the Spice Girls: "David has been helping out a lot ahead of the Spice Girls tour, which starts in December and has offered to give them fashion advice. He has been looking at pictures of Julien Macdonald's collection on the internet and has also studied other designer collections. He is drawing different strengths from various fashion designers, but obviously Victoria will have the final say."

Brazilian football player Richarlyson continues to be tailed by gay rumors.

Democratic Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley in shift on support of same-sex marriage. Backs civil unions now, following the Court of Appeals' recent decision to uphold the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Senate President deals second blow, says he won't support legislation to legalize same-sex marriage or civil unions.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is Back

Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted vacationing in Portugal last weekend, providing a fresh set of prurient photo fodder for the masses. Check out the latest entry for your Ronaldo pin-up album, which hit the internet at warp speed this afternoon, after the jump...

(image source)

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Gay Soccer in Brazil: Furor Over Judge's Homophobic Remarks

A controversy over soccer players and homosexuality has erupted in Brazil.

The director of Brazilian soccer club Palmeiras, Jose Cyrillo Jr., recently insinuated in a TV interview that Richarlyson, a player for Sao Paulo, is gay. The suggestion inspired a defamation lawsuit against Cyrillo, and that's where the trouble really began.

Judge Manoel Maximiano Junqueira Filho dismissed Richarlyson's lawsuit:

"Judge Manoel Maximiano Junqueira Filho stoked the dispute by dismissing Richarlyson's claim and issuing a ruling that suggested he leave the game if he were gay. If he weren't, the judge said, Richarlyson was obliged to defend himself on the same TV program. 'Not that a homosexual can't play soccer,' Filho wrote. 'He can, but he must form his own team and federation, setting up matches with those who want to play against him.' The judge concluded it is not 'reasonable to accept homosexuals in Brazilian soccer because it would hurt the uniformity present' in team sport. Soccer, the judge said, is a 'virile game' but 'not homosexual,' and allowing gays could lead to affirmative action for the sport requiring quotas of gays. The ruling prompted the government body that oversees judicial ethics in Brazil to demand an explanation from the judge, who has until Friday to respond."

Gay groups in Brazil are understandably outraged by the judge's comments, but say the debate about sexuality in sports is a good one. Said Marcelo Cerqueira, president of the Grupo Gay da Bahia: "It was a fascist statement and (the judge) needs to pay for it. This case is important to uncover the issue about gays in soccer, to create debate."

Richarlyson, who has kept mum about his sexuality during the controversy, appeared on a talk show on Sunday night to finally discuss it: "If I was (gay), I wouldn't have any problems admitting it. This is a disrespect not only to me, it's a disrespect to Brazil. All that matters is if the player can do his job on the field."

Judge Filho voided his initial ruling, according to USA Today, and "took a leave of absence beginning Monday with no date for a return."

In a macho sport, an uproar over gays and soccer in Brazil [usa today]
Brazil judge in gay football row [bbc]

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David Beckham to Get Reality TV Series from Simon Fuller

Full yet?

Simon Fuller, the producer of American Idol has announced he'll spoon-feed the country even more David Beckham with a 13-part reality series on the British footballer called David Beckham's Soccer USA, which FOX reps promise will be "an insider's look at his performance with the Los Angeles Galaxy."

TV viewers were cool to his wife's reality TV debut, with only 5 million tuning in for Victoria Beckham: Coming to America.

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Brady Quinn is Bret Michaels' Rock of Love

Even though it's only ladies that are able to compete in Poison lead singer Bret Michaels' new trash 'celebreality' show Rock of Love, Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn looks to be trying his best to impress.

(via deadspin)

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Sportrait: Robinho

Robinho (center) and Brazilian national footballers Mineiro, Maicon, Juan, Gilberto and Gilberto Silva have a team training session in the pool at Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela today. They are there for the Copa America football championship.

Below, Robinho and goalkeeper Doni.

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Reggie Bush and David Beckham: Futbol Meets Football

As a follow-up to the photos I posted yesterday, here's a video of Reggie Bush and David Beckham meeting on a playing field in Madrid, for Adidas.
(via pink)

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Blitz Begins: Beckham Tries American Football On For Size

New Orleans Saints runnin back Reggie Bush and future L.A. Galaxy star David Beckham met in Madrid for the first down in Beckham's blitz on American media. The two swapped uniforms and tried out one another's moves in a new campaign from Adidas called Futbol meets Football.

Said Beckham: "Since I signed with the Galaxy, you know every time I do an interview, I'm trying to get myself to say soccer because I've always said football. I've never been to an [American football] game. I want to. Because every time I've seen the Super Bowl or something like that, it's so passionate. Everyone -- the fans, the players -- seems so passionate about it. Without a doubt. I'm definitely going to get myself to some games."

No photos of Bush were available, but we look forward to them, particularly if they look anything like this.

Adidas reports: "During Beckham and Bush's meeting in Madrid, Beckham strapped on a Saints helmet and uniform with his signature number 23 and performed running drills, ran pass routes with Bush defending him and kicked long-range field goals and punts. Bush, meanwhile, laced up his soccer boots and shin pads and defended short-range penalty kicks from Beckham playing goal keeper. Although each athlete looked momentarily uncomfortable in their new sports, they were able to quickly grasp the nuances, such as Beckham spiking the football after a touchdown catch and Bush playing a spirited game of keepy uppy with his knees and feet. Later, the two athletes exchanged jerseys and discussed what Beckham should expect after arriving in the U.S., from fan reaction to media attention."

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Tom Cruise Wants a Piece of David Beckham

After taking him in at the final Spanish League football match in Spain recently, Tom Cruise decided he had to have a piece of it, and has reportedly made a $79.6 million bid to back the L.A. Galaxy.

Said a source: "To have Tom's backing would be amazing - there's no way Galaxy bosses would turn down that opportunity."

Is this a joke? If not, I think it may be the most expensive case of stalking we've ever seen.

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Hollywood Cult Overlords Infiltrate Beckham Football Match

Bizarro shot of the weekend:

Wearing oversized dark sunglasses at night, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes joined the Beckham family to watch David Beckham and Real Madrid triumph over Mallorca in the last Spanish league football match of the season.

The world's #2 tennis player, Rafael Nadal (upper left), ke