US national soccer team player Robbie Rogers comes out and retires

[Redfairen]

In a revealing and personal blog post written in the early hours of the morning in London on Friday, former Columbus Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers announced that he’s gay and that he’s stepping away from professional soccer. The 25 year-old Rogers, who played for the Crew from 2007-11 before unsuccessfully trying his hand with English sides Leeds United and Stevenage, writes that he “could not be happier” with his decision, and that now he is a “free man” with a new lease on life.

“Secrets can cause so much internal damage,” Rogers writes in the roughly 400-word post. “People love to preach about honesty, how honesty is so plain and simple. Try explaining to your loved ones after 25 years you are gay. Try convincing yourself that your creator has the most wonderful purpose for you even though you were taught differently.

“I always thought I could hide this secret,” he adds. “Football was my escape, my purpose, my identity. Football hid my secret, gave me more joy than I could have ever imagined. … I will always be thankful for my career. I will remember Beijing, the MLS Cup, and most of all my teammates. I will never forget the friends I have made a long the way and the friends that supported me once they knew my secret.”

Rogers won an MLS Cup with the Crew in 2008 and boasts 18 caps with the US men’s national team. He was invited to former US head coach Bob Bradley’s camp ahead of the 2010 World Cup but did make the roster for South Africa, and scored the equalizing goal against Mexico in a 1-1 draw in Philadelphia in Jurgen Klinsmann’s first game on the job in August 2011. He also played on the US Olympic team during the Beijing Olympics.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/15/former-crew-mf-rogers-says-hes-gay-leaving-soccer

[Rowdyboy]

1. Good for him! And welcome to the "family"

There's always room for one more...

[joeybee12]

2. Cheers and good luck to him

[MrCoffee]

3. I, for one, am disgusted...

Don't quit soccer, Robbie, you're too good! I know there have been injury issues lately, and the MLS rights trade clearly stings, but come to Seattle, man; we healed Zakuani's double leg fracture, we healed Gspurning's hip, we healed Grandpa Keller, we'll heal your ankles no problem and you'll be good to go. Screw Columbus, screw Chicago, they're jokers. We're fun here in Seattle, we've got rain and fake turf and rabid fans. You'll love it here. Ok, maybe London has rain, but screw them too.

Don't quit soccer, Robbie, you have 18 senior caps and, more importantly, scored against Mexico. That right there earns you our respect and admiration. Don't retire! The USMNT needs you, or else we're stuck with Jermaine Jones. Why do you hate us, to stick us with Jermaine Jones???

Don't quit soccer, Robbie, the game needs you!