While many wonder about the impact of an openly gay player on an NFL locker room, one of the most outspoken gay former players said it was at the team facility where he felt most secure.
Former cornerback Wade Davis, who spent time with the Seahawks, Titans and Redskins (but didn’t play in a regular season game) said he felt at ease when he was at work.
“My time in the NFL had its ups and its downs,” David told CBS 2 in Chicago, where he’ll march in today’s Pride Parade. “The safest place for me to be was actually with my teammates. I didn’t really have to think about my sexual orientation.”
Of course, that welcome would only extend as far as the locker room door, according to one coach.
“I don’t think the locker room would have any problem with it,” Cardinals coach Bruce Arians recently told FOXSports.com. “The problem would be with the fans. I think especially opposing fans. Some of the things that are said are over the top and out of control that I can imagine what some fans would say to an openly gay player.”
It would be wonderful to think that Davis’ feeling comfortable at work was because our society is becoming more open-minded and accepting. More likely, it’s the simple pragmatism that most players will welcome anyone who helps them do their jobs.
If it’s a faulty step toward progress, at least it’s one in the right direction.