I mentioned Roy Simmons, whom I remember coming out on (pretty shockingly) "Phil Donahue" back in 1992. It was pretty astounding then to see an NFL player, who'd been in the Super Bowl, and who was African-American, admitting on national TV that he was homosexual. But then he disappeared.

Now, he's speaking on record about being gay, living with HIV, and being a black man, child abuse survivor and NFL player, in today's NY TIMES.


NY TIMES: Orth-Out of the Locker Room, and the Closet

(Subscription req'd.)

[ November 29, 2003, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: fantomas ]

I've often wondered what happened to Roy Simmons after he appeared on "Donahue" 11 years ago. I vividly remember from that show one woman in the audience chastising Simmons for coming out. I wanted to throw something at the TV screen and say "Hey, you have no idea what Simmons was going through." Little did I know that there were some other issues in Simmons' life.

I'm happy to see that he's back in the public eye and I do hope some good will come out of this article (no pun intended).

Thanks fantomas for posting the link.

[ November 29, 2003, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: gmjambear ]

GREAT article in the "Times"!...all of you need to read this!!!

I think some of you who may wonder what the "big deal" is about coming out for pro athletes or consider them "selfish" for not, may better understand what guys have to work through after reading this....

Congratulations Roy!! and good luck with your continued sobriety and your evolution in dealing with your public disclosure...also, thanks from all of us who want and need examples to show "straight" America that there are many, many faces to gay men in this country...

Very interesting article. But why is it in the "Fashion & Style" section on their website (and presumably in the paper)?

Roy Simmons story in the NY Times touched me today. He has been through a lot of adversity. I am so glad to hear that he is sober and maintaining his health. This guy has a hell of story and I hope that you guys take the time to read it. There are probably a few professional athletes who read this site and I wonder what kind of psychological burden it is to live in two worlds for them. Let's remember that World AIDS Day in December 1. I am sending supportive energy to Mr. Simmons on this day as he deserves all the honor and respect we can give him on this day.

I posted a snyopsis of the article. Simmons has had a rough life.

Poor dude. Reading this at the airport on the way back from the holiday weekend bummed me out.

Yeah, why was this relegated to the Style section? Former pro athlete comes out, former drug addict, rough life, HIV positive...Sunday Style & Entertainment!

This bit annoyed me:

Now, can't fault the man for wondering that--especially when young/f**ked up--but at some point, you hope he would have realized that being raped by a man does not "turn" one gay. And that he would have told the writer that. And that the writer would not have left it out.

I was annoyed at the fact that the Times chose to put this piece in the Fashion & Style section, too. What is THAT about? Are we only seen as fashionistas and style mavens even in the face of adversity, violence and desperation? Jeez, I had more respect for that paper but now I wonder. Those guys at the Times need a reality check or something.

Don't you get it guys.... it was in the Fashion & Style section because being gay is just a Life Style Choice ... ...just kidding guys