What if a high-profile athlete was outted for being gay?

Hypothetical question:

If a high-profile athlete, currently on a major sports team (football, basketball, baseball, hockey), was outted for being gay, what do you think would happen?

Let's assume that the athlete did not do anything illegal or scandalous, but he was forced to admit that the story allegations were true and that he is gay. How much would it matter that a MVP also happened to be gay? What does your gut tell you would happen?

Would the coach, manager and league play him or bench him?
Would the team support him or shun him?
Would the fans from your hometown want the big-scorer to still play?

Would you agree? What should happen?

I'm in England and I don't think anything would happen.

Are there no 'out' athletes in the US?

I am not aware of any openly gay athletes on the roster of a major league team in football, basketball, baseball or hockey. There have been some players who have come out after retirement or leaving the team, but they were low-totem players-- not high-profilers. And when they came out there was some media buzz for a little while to sell books, but no real shock waves.

If a high-profile player were to come out, it would be on the media circuit like the Kobe Bryant or Pete Rose scandals, or like when Magic announced he had AIDS. It would be a big deal in American sports-- although it really shouldn't be.

We've even had a politician who's been naked several times in high profile films.

What is an 'out' athlete? (Translation = NO!)

We don't really have any major athletes that have ever come out while actively on a roster. There have been some minor figures, and a few more major ones, but never during their hay day. The big concern that always gets trotted out, is that they'd never get any sort of sponsorship, etc.

But I do believe that if someone as high up as say (and no, NO, aspersions cast, but perhaps wishful thinking), someone like Favre, came out, that his repercussions would be minor. However, I think that would ONLY be the case with someone so highly ranked and admired.

I think that's a fucking shame - I know jock-culture isn't unique to the US but the idea that it'd be a big scandal is ridiculous to me.

I find it really hard to understand how anyone could think who someone chooses to fuck would have any effect on their ability to throw a ball around.

Italy's first female senator, Ilona Staller (Cicciolina), was a pornstar.
Greece's Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, took his mistress on state visits (even to the US).
Most of the Middle East's ruling families have harems and are alleged to practice female circumcision (outlawed in almost all western countries and commonly refereed to as genital mutilation).

While here people are scandalized by the rather mundane sex lives and sexuality of public figures. Arranged marriages are going by the way side, in third world countries, while they are common place amongst American entertainers, sports personalities, and politicians. Beards aren't shaved and lipsticks aren't left behind, but worn on ones arm like a fashion accessory. Narrow mindedness is sad and those who suffer from it are pathetic, but should not be pitied.

Well - now hang on - if guys fuck women they need the cock eye co-ordination* to know at least which of the two holes they are hitting. With a guy fucking a guy he only has one hole to hit and obviously needs less cock eye co-ordination! And we all know what that means for ball sports! There's your proof. Ta-DAAAAA!

ManlyBanisters goes on to prove that black is white and gets herself killed on the next zebra crossing.

* a bit like hand eye co-ordination but with cocks, ok?

Manly has converted me :)

I think a homosexual would be better qualified to handle balls.

There are a few most don't come "out" until they retire though. Sadly, doing so during their career could mean the end of their career or at least their very lucrative endorsements.

Yeah, we don't allow that sort of thing. It may happen but he/she will never be re-elected and may be forced to resign.

Because SP, everyone knows that only really manly, macho men can play sports.

Unfortunately, it would be the end of his career. I heard about a survey a while back where the overwhelming majority of players would NOT want to be on a team with an openly gay player -- or even one they suspected to be gay (hey, didn't Piazza even call a press conference to announce he isn't gay?)

I think most people really couldnt care less or be bothered by it at all.