Hines Ward Says NFL Isn’t Ready for Openly Gay Player Because ‘There’s Too Many Guys in the Locker Room’

Save for comments by Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace, nearly all of the reaction to Jason Collins‘ announcement that he is gay has been positive from fellow athletes. However, despite saying he doesn’t want teammates to have to hide who they are, former Steelers receiver and NBC analyst Hines Ward says the NFL may not be prepared to welcome a homosexual player.

“I don’t think football is ready, there’s too many guys in the locker room and, you know, guys play around too much,” Ward said to NBC Sports Radio on Tuesday. “Hopefully one guy comes out of the closet and [will] be comfortable with himself.

“I don’t have anything against a gay football player or a gay person period so if he does, he has support from me.  I want people to live their lives for who they are and don’t have to hide behind closed doors to do that.”

Photo via Facebook/Hines Ward