Former Steelers Ward, Wallace, Stir Controversy With Gay Athlete Comments

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Two former Steelers are making headlines with their comments on gay players coming out in professional sports, just a day after NBA player Jason Collins disclosed that he was gay.

NBC Analyst and former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward thinks that the time may not be right for a gay NFL player to come out of the closet.

According to Pro Football Talk, Ward said "I don't think football is ready, there's too many guys in the locker room and, you know, guys play around too much." The comments were made on NBC Sports Radio.

During the interview Ward also said, "[H]opefully 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." Ward reportedly said on the radio.

Ward's comments come just a day after his former teammate, and current Miami Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace tweeted his way into a controversy.

Wallace sent out the tweet, All these beautiful women in the [world] and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH…"

Then deleted his comments, and wrote, "Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don't understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended."

The Miami Dolphins released a statement saying, "in a culture of inclusiveness and respect, and any statements to the contrary are in no way acceptable to our organization."

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