Robbie Rogers Says No Gay MLS Players Have Reached Out To Him Since He Revealed His Sexuality

Hoping that his personal disclosure would help other footballers around the globe come to him for support, current MLS star Robbie Rogers said recently that no one from his professional circuit has sought his guidance since he revealed his own sexuality this past February. In a recent interview with BBC Newsnight, the 26-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy winger said that he has not been hit with letters, text or phone calls in the manner he thought he would after announcing that he is a gay soccer player earlier in the year.

"I haven't received a letter or text or anything from one footballer that wants to talk about these issues," Rogers said in the interview. "I've received phone calls and I've spoken with all my friends here in the UK and around the world that have supported me, but I haven't had one message from a [gay] footballer. It reminds me of the fear that I had, you remember that atmosphere and how it made you feel. It just shows there's a huge problem."

The former Leeds United and Columbus Crew member also noted that while it was extremely positive to get the support of those closest to him, he was a bit surprised that others in the world of pro soccer did not seek his advice. Noting that making a disclosure like that was a tough thing to do, Rogers said that he believes he now has a duty to continue his professional soccer career after revealing his sexuality. The 26-year-old - who is also a member of the United States national team - took a break from the game after the revelation but has since returned to rejoin the Major League Soccer ranks.

"I almost have to remind myself how hard things were, how miserable and sad I was before," he said regarding his return to the game. "Just because I've had such a great year, full of positivity so I did feel a responsibility. This week I spent time with the Belgian football federation and speaking with GQ magazine in Germany, and they were looking for a footballer to answer questions on this matter. They didn't have anyone else they could turn to because I'm the only footballer so far who's come out. Last year I was hoping that, by this time, there would be other athletes who would feel comfortable to come out.

"No one's done it so I had no one to look up to in order to test the waters before I went out there," he continued. "I know and I realize I'm the only one that's doing this. I do feel a responsibility."