Thomas Hitzlsberger

He come out now after he's retired and says he's gay and wants to help others.

Could he have done this during his career...and would that have sent a much stronger message?

Good on him anyway, must've been a hard decision.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/08/thomas-hitzlsperger-gay-announces-homosexual

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25628806

Just read this story and i actually thought "so what".

It's all well and good coming out now when you're retired. The time to do it and have the biggest impact would have been while you were playing.

He said "he's never been ashamed of the way he was", yet chose to keep quiet and tell no-one. I'm not for one minute saying "coming out" is an easy thing to do (especially in football), in fact it probably the complete opposite, but i do find it strange that he decided to say this once he's finished his career.

Tom Daley?
Robbie Rogers?
John Amaechi?

There's obviously a reason Shaken.

I get that blue and as i've said, i can fully understand how difficult a decision it is to make.
However, if he wanted to make any sort of impact on the culture/prejudice inside football (maybe he didn't), then the best time to do it was while he was there.

Saying this now, imo won't change a thing.....just my opinion.

Agreed. Doubt it will, but allows him to live a normal life without secrecy.

if he had said it during his career no one would've kissed him when he scored!!!!!!!

In 2014, this news shouldn't really be making the news should it.

But fair play to the guy, let's hope others do follow who are currently still playing.

Gotta ask.....the beard is getting fuller, as is mine....but who's the little fella???

Ah yes, I've not had a fully trim in 6 weeks, it's on the growth! Just trim the sides and neck to keep it neat.

Oh, that handsome little devil is my recent nephew. What a charmer.

very cute!!...the baby i meant 'Thomas'...  

Agree Jordan, to me it's an irrelevant story. It's not his responsibility to have an impact for other gay people.