Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
On February 23, 2013, Robbie Rogers walked away from the game of soccer and came out as a gay soccer player in a post that he published on his blog.
One month later later, Rogers is ready to tell the world why.
The 25-year old granted interviews to The Guardian and The New York Times, revealing his reasons for quitting soccer. Rogers spoke at length about the difficulties of playing soccer in the testosterone-filled locker rooms that are pervasive throughout the world. In addition, the former U.S. international said that while he doesn’t believe most soccer players are homophobic, there is a “pack-like” mentality in locker rooms that leads people to say things they don’t really mean.
“I was just fearful. I was very fearful how my team-mates were going to react,” Rogers told The Guardian. “Was it going to change them? Even though I’d still be the same person would it change the way they acted towards me – when we were in the dressing room or the bus?”
Since retiring, Rogers has been able to focus full time on his other passions, which include his menswear company that he co-own’s in Los Angeles, Halsey, and getting into the London School of Fashion.
Here is Rogers’ video interview with The New York Times:
What do you think of the interviews? Hoping Rogers changes his mind about being retired? Think MLS is ready for an openly gay soccer player?
Share your thoughts below.