Landry Jones, Rookie Steelers Quarterback, Supports Gay Players Despite Christian Background

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Landry Jones spoke with Outsports reporter Cyd Zeigler at the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Rookie Premiere.   He discussed his Christian beliefs and the novel perspective that they shouldn't interfere with having a gay player on his team.  Asked about how Christian and gay players would mesh on the field, Jones had this to say:

"There's not a conflict," Jones said. "People are people and God tells us to love everybody. And so that's what I do."  

"Now, do I condone what they're doing? No, I don't think it's right," he continued.

"But, am I going to go out there and not talk to them? Am I going to go out there and be hateful and mean to them? I think that's ignorant. I think we respect and love everybody. But, there's also a moral standard there for me, and I'm going to take a stand on that. I don't think it's right, but it's their life and I'm not going to go up because someone is gay and be mean or hateful and say terrible things to them. I'm going to treat them like a human being."

Jones recalls other NFL players, the notorious Tim Tebow in particular, with his strong Christian background.  During their interview, Zeigler noticed a Biblical passage from Philippians printed on Jones' hand.  But Jones also respects the gay community, and gay players:

"It doesn't matter if you're gay or if you're straight," Jones said. "If you can play the game of football, you're going to be on a team and you're going to have a job. Just like if you're in a regular business setting. If you can do your job well, you can do your job. You can get paid and earn a living and provide for your family, whatever your family looks like." 

Jones' words echo the recent outspoken support of former NFL player Kurt Warner and recently dismissed-and-resigned punter Chris Kluwe.  And though Landry is hesitant to fully support the gay community, Zeigler suggests that his may be the halfway-there perspective we need to embrace in the sports world:

If we're going to open sports for everyone, Jones' willingness to put his personal feelings aside and treat people equally is the kind of perspective we must be willing to hear. Just as we want men like Jones to accept us, we must accept them.

Oakland Raiders Sign Punter and LGBT Ally Chris Kluwe

NFL punter and LGBT ally Chris Kluwe has been signed by the Oakland Raiders, FOX Sports reports:

Kluwe, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on May 6, will step in for Pro Bowler Shane Lechler, who left Oakland for the Houston Texans via free agency. Kluwe’s contract is for one year, and is for the league minimum.

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Kluwe is known for his mind and mouth, as well as his leg. He is a vocal advocate of equality in sports (and life), and says he will continue to speak for what he believes.

“I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans,” Kluwe said.

The issue of same-sex marriage remains a hot-button one in California. Kluwe said he was happy the same-sex marriage bill passed and was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Mark Dayton in Minnesota. Kluwe didn’t think it would be an issue there and is ready to press forward in the Golden State....Prop 8 was passed by voters in 2008 and governs that the state only recognize marriages between a man and a woman. The law’s legality was argued before the US Supreme Court in March, with a ruling expected in June, and Kluwe is optimistic about the likely repeal of the measure. If the measure is not repealed, however, he says it will be an issue of concern that will need to be addressed.

New York Jets Linebacker DeMario Davis: Gays are Sinners But I'd Welcome One to the Team

New York Jets linebacker DeMario Davis says he thinks gays are sinners but that doesn't mean he wouldn't welcome one to the Jets, the NY Daily News reports.

Said Davis:

"If someone was to come out on our team, we’re a team that’s about winning. When it comes to the (Jets), I put my personal beliefs separate from the team....According to the scriptures, and God’s law, homosexuality is wrong. The act is wrong. I’ve got homosexuals in my family who I love to death. I’ve got drunks in my family. I’ve got people who have premarital sex in my family. And I don’t agree with any of those things, but I still love and respect those people....The way that person would be viewed would not be changed. If that person were to go on and say he’s a Christian and he’s homosexual that doesn’t change how I feel about him. That’s his view, and I have mine."

Added Davis: "Anybody that can help our team, we’re more than happy to have them. It’s that same open-arms approach: we respect all in our locker room. We love all in our locker room.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Says League, Fans Will Accept an Openly Gay Player: VIDEO

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL.com yesterday that the league will support an openly gay player.

Said Goodell: "I have such great respect for our players. I don't think it will just be tolerated, I think it will be accepted. These are individuals who play in our league. We're all different in some fashion, and we're accepting of our differences....That's what this is all about. To me, if it happens in the league, that's a personal choice that someone would decide to do. But I know their teammates and teams, and I think the fans will all respond the right way."

Watch part of the interview, AFTER THE JUMP...

And can someone please tell host Steve Wyche that being gay is not a "chosen lifestyle"?

Minnesota Governor Says Vikings Were Dishonest About Reasons for Cutting Chris Kluwe

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton says Vikings officials were dishonest in the reasons given for cutting punter Chris Kluwe. Many believed he was cut for being too outspoken on LGBT rights issues, though officials said they cut him early to give him a better chance at signing with another team.

Dayton doesn't believe them, the AP reports.

Said Dayton at a news conference:

"Yeah, I don't feel good about it...I'm not in a position to evaluate the relative punting abilities, but it seems to me the general manager said, right after the draft, they were going to have competition...Well, they bring the one guy in, he kicks for a weekend and that's competition?"

Dayton added: "I just think sports officials ought to be honest about what the heck is going on, same way I think public officials should be honest about what's going on, so that bothers me probably as much, if not more, than the actual decision....That's their decision to make. They don't give political advice. I don't give them coaching advice."

Decorated Virginia College Football Star Says He's Gay: VIDEO

Kevin Grayson is "one of the most decorated football players Central Virginia has ever seen" and he's coming out of the closet, WTVR reports:

Grayson was named all district and all-region while playing both offense and defense at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield. In college he helped the University of Richmond Spiders win the Football Championship Subdivision national title in 2008, and while playing professionally  in Italy last year he was named MVP of his league’s super bowl.

But his sexuality remained hidden from many of his coaches and all but a handful of trusted teammates, largely because of the culture that exists in America’s favorite sport.

Grayson has “no doubt” there are gay players in the NFL currently, and admits to knowing some active players himself. But, he explained that “it’s one of those things where you meet someone and you find out about something it’s a ‘you take it to the grave’ type thing.”

Watch Grayson's interview with WTVR, AFTER THE JUMP...