Why Does It Matter If An Athlete Is Gay?

With all the talk about homosexual athletes, and my involvement in combat sports, I can’t help but think of this Dave Chappelle skit…

Seriously though, why does a person’s sexual orientation matter? Does it make them any less of an athlete or person because they are gay? Everyone on this planet should have the freedom to be who they want to be, as long as it’s not impeding on other’s freedom; and I’m pretty sure being gay doesn’t affect the person that they’re standing next to.

Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from the University of Missouri, recently came out as a gay football player; he’s the first active player to come out. He plans on entering the upcoming NFL draft in May. There have been all sorts of backlash because of this. There are players who say they wouldn’t want to play with Sam because of his sexuality. If someone is good at their job, why should it matter? This is like a white player saying they don’t want to play with someone because they are Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc.; this discrimination needs to stop (wishful thinking, I know).

Is this strictly a gay male athlete thing? There are female athletes who are openly gay and no one gives it a second thought; almost like if you’re a female athlete, it’s to be expected of women. Why is there a difference?

Does it matter if your teammate is gay or not? And if one came out, would your outlook on them change?