Gay athletes make mistakes too.
This weekend soccer great Abby Wambach was arrested in Portland, Ore., for DUI. According to reports, she ran a red light then failed a sobriety test and a breathalizer.
Wambach immediately took to Facebook to make crystal clear how seriously she takes her mistakes and her role as a role model:
Last night I was arrested for DUII in Portland after dinner at a friend's house.
Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.
I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.
I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.
No excuses. No "I'm sorry I got caught" apology. No blaming someone else. Just a straight-up mea culpa and heart-felt message about making amends.
Some of the members of the U.S. men's soccer team have mocked Wambach for her mistake. I get it: They feel she's taken shots at them and the make-up of their team recently. But seriously? Taking pot shots at a trailblazer like Wambach because she got caught making a mistake that, chances are, hundreds of other pro athletes have made? Kinda slimy.
Wambach made a mistake. But leadership is demonstrated by how you respond to your mistakes. Her response so far has been perfect. Hopefully she means every word.
