Will a gay footballer ever come out of the comfort zone?

You know, I've always liked David James. Not sure why -- perhaps it was an old 442 with a profile on him and his art. And his art was so poor that I felt sorry for him. But I thought it was cool that he was making art, and proud of it. Here's another edition of his column. I like him even more now. He seems like a solid thinking-man's footballer. And God know there are not many those about. -Sanford

David James:

If one in 10 people are gay, where are all the gay Premiership stars? It's a question that's often asked, but there are only whispers, dodgy rumours and malicious media gossip for answers.

Football, it seems, is one of the last professional environments where you can't be out and proud. In every other entertainment industry we have gay stars. Why should football be different? Are football fans really so incapable of watching a gay player without abusing him? The same bunch of fans who are routinely homophobic always sing along to the camp-as-you-like Scissors Sisters anthems played at grounds up and down the country or the Pet Shop Boys song 'Go West'?
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/15/will_a_gay_footballer_ever_com.html