Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo has never been shy when it comes to speaking his mind about same-sex equality. After the 36-year old was released by the Ravens on Thursday, Ayanbadejo backed up a report that a player was ready to come out as gay in the NFL. As reported by NFL.com on Friday, Ayanbadejo says there may be up to four players ready to do it together.
Ayanbadejo, who promises to continue to be outspoken when it comes to gay rights, backed up a report by Mike Freeman of CBS Sports that a current player was ready to come out.
"We're in talks with a handful of players who are considering it. There are up to four players being talked to right now and they're trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together. It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out."
It would definitely test the NFL's readiness but at the same time it would take the pressure and focus off of one guy. Both Freeman and Ayanbadejo seem to know who these players are so it wouldn't be a far reach that teams and other players may already know who these players are.
The benefit of more than one player coming out at once will send a message throughout sports that there are gay athletes in all of sports and they are important and valuable to their teams. It also will diminish any possible backlash one player may receive from opponents and fans. As Mike Freeman reported, one of the main reasons the player he knows of is hesitant is because of the reaction from the fans.
As far as teammates go, current NFL player Scott Fujita does see an evolution and feel the league as a whole is ready.
"Guys are more accepting than they used to be. Even those who raise personal objections to homosexuality, some of whom are good friends of mine, would still be able to coexist and accept a gay teammate."
It looks as though we may soon find out if acceptance in the NFL has any validity.
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