He has since received a hugely positive reaction and yesterday trained with MLS side LA Galaxy. His decision to to partake in the session comes a day after NBA player James Collins also revealed that he is homosexual to become the first active openly gay athlete in one of the big-four American team sports.
Galaxy boss Bruce Arena praised Rogers for his bravery and added that he was pleasantly surprised by how sharp he looks in training.
“I think our league is a progressive league,” Arena told the club’s website. “Our league is a league comprised of all different races, colours and creeds, and to be accepting of a gay athlete I don’t think is anything that’s difficult for our league.
We’ve had a great mentality of being open and tolerant of all different kinds of people, views, what have you.
“He looked a lot sharper than I thought he would today. Given the fact he’s been away from the game for a while. We’ve known Robbie a bunch of years and he’s a first-class person and we’re only too excited to have him here with us.”
Rogers has sparked speculation that he may be ready to return to the field – possibly with the MLS Cup holders – but they would need to acquire his MLS rights from Chicago Fire. Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, meanwhile, didn’t train due to an ankle strain.
Openly gay footballer Robbie Rogers is training with LA Galaxy
ROBBIE ROGERS, THE US footballer who publicly announced that he is gay earlier this year, could soon be making a return to football.
The 25-year-old, who was recently under contract at Leeds United, came out in February before deciding to hang up his boots.
He has since received a hugely positive reaction and yesterday trained with MLS side LA Galaxy. His decision to to partake in the session comes a day after NBA player James Collins also revealed that he is homosexual to become the first active openly gay athlete in one of the big-four American team sports.
Galaxy boss Bruce Arena praised Rogers for his bravery and added that he was pleasantly surprised by how sharp he looks in training.
“I think our league is a progressive league,” Arena told the club’s website. “Our league is a league comprised of all different races, colours and creeds, and to be accepting of a gay athlete I don’t think is anything that’s difficult for our league.
“He looked a lot sharper than I thought he would today. Given the fact he’s been away from the game for a while. We’ve known Robbie a bunch of years and he’s a first-class person and we’re only too excited to have him here with us.”
Rogers has sparked speculation that he may be ready to return to the field – possibly with the MLS Cup holders – but they would need to acquire his MLS rights from Chicago Fire. Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, meanwhile, didn’t train due to an ankle strain.
YouTube credit: TheLAGalaxy
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