Adrian Peterson: I Would Have No Problem With A Gay Teammate
Adrian Peterson may not be in support of gay marriage, but the NFL MVP said he’d have no problem with a gay teammate.
The Minnesota Vikings running back stressed on Monday that he would accept an openly gay teammate, while saying he didn’t need to apologize for his stance on gay marriage.
Peterson told The Oklahoman that having a gay teammate “really wouldn’t bother me that much,” though some things would make him uncomfortable.
“Simple things, as far as showers and things like that, you know, of course, anyone would be uncomfortable. But you know, I’m a grown man. There’s things that I can deal with. I’m comfortable in my skin,” Peterson said. “I’ll still high-five them. Pat them on the butt when he’s doing good, and go on about my business.”
Last week Peterson had told a radio interviewer that he isn’t on board with legalizing gay marriage. His former teammate, punter Chris Kluwe, has been on the NFL’s most vocal advocates for LGBT causes.
“To each his own, [but] I’m not with it,” Adrian Peterson said. “I have relatives who are gay. I’m not biased towards them. I still treat them the same. I love ’em. But again, I’m not with that. That’s not something I believe in. But to each his own.”
Adrian Peterson made his statement in support of an openly gay teammate just days after another NFL star spoke out on the issue. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck’s said he doesn’t care about sexual orientation of teammates and thinks that gay players shouldn’t have to remain in the closet.
“I hope if someone’s thinking about [coming out], that if they do come out as gay and it makes them happy and it makes their life easier, then I think they should do it,” Luck told CNN via theindychannel.com. “My first reaction is really good for him.”
Luck added, “It’s the 21st century, and I know I would have absolutely no problem with it. I hope no one would treat him any differently than any straight player, no special treatment — he’s just another guy.”
Adrian Peterson and Andrew Luck could soon have a gay teammate. Reports have said that one or a handful of current players are considering coming out very soon.
