Clay Matthews on Potential of a Gay Player with the Packers: "We Don't Have a Problem"

With news of Michael Sam coming out in public fashion and having taken part in the NFL Combine this week, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews talked about the potential of having a gay player in the locker room in an appearance Tuesday on the Boomer & Carton show on CBS Sports Network.

"We don't have a problem, and I don't think we would," said Matthews. "Because the unique thing about the NFL locker room is that, every player can attest to, is the fact that we don't see race, religion or sexual orientation. We see simply, can he help us win ball games? Can he help us on the football field?"

#PACKERSmicroblog

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Comments (78)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
al's picture

February 25, 2014 at 11:27 am

dang clays ready lol !

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al's picture

February 25, 2014 at 11:29 am

what I really want too no is johnny jolly going to play with pack this year ???

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 11:34 am

Sexual orientation, religion, politics, race, etc. It has always been involved in successfull team sports. When a player is making good plays nobody references their personal life. They are just happy to have playmakers. The lockeroom is full of people from all walks of life and it won't change. I can't wait for this gay football player talk to go away. Let's talk about football and football players. This topic should go away and not comeback unless there are issues that come up in the future. Go be the best football player you can on the field and go do want you want in your personal life.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:01 pm

Ray, I don't agree. There are legitimate questions that should be addressed. The Football Field, & The Locker Room are 2 different places. I'm sure there are gay's in the locker rooms now. That doesn't make it Right. You may not like it put this way, but isn't that the same as putting a Straight guy in a Girls shower? I'm Union, as the Players are. Shouldn't the players have something to say about it. How do you deal with the Players who don't want it? Do Straight Players automatically have to accept Gay's in their shower? I don't think so. As a Union Man, I believe it should be voted on. That's how Unions work all across this country. Majority Rules!!

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MadJam's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:16 pm

It is only a union matter if there is a clause concerning sexual orientation in the master contract.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:26 pm

You are absolutely correct. That's what Union Contracts are for. It should be put in the Contract, & then voted on. Everyone has to accept the result. That's how Unions Operate.

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Al's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:28 pm

Um..... But what else is your choice but accept it? As you say there may be gay men anyways that haven't come out. If you ban gays they will still be present they will just hide it. So again, what's your option? And what purpose does a vote really serve then? Other than to simply make a point of unacceptance.

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Brian Carriveau's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:21 pm

Maybe they should vote whether blacks and whites should drink from separate fountains too.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:28 pm

That's ridiculous!! It doesn't deserve a reply.

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Brian Carriveau's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:29 pm

So is your comment about whether a gay player should be able to be able to shower with straight players.

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Mike's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:38 pm

Amen Brian

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Al's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:30 pm

Seems pretty applicable. How this issue feels to some right now is how it felt to blacks and whites back then..

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:36 pm

Not Even Close!! There are Health reasons involved. Maybe you're Gay, I am Not. I have nothing against Gays playing in the NFL, but I personally wouldn't want to shower with any, & I wouldn't want to be forced to do so.

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Brian Carriveau's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:38 pm

Health reasons? This keeps getting better. Please tell me the health reasons. I'll get you a shovel.

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Mike's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:39 pm

Are you making a grossly and inappropriately broad assumption of all gay individuals?

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Evan's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:47 pm

This is idiotic and I'm hesitant to even dignify it with a response. I'm getting a distinct longshanks vibe.

But there already are and have been many gay players in the NFL. So, like it or not, nfl players have likely been showering with gay men all along and no "health issues" have arisen.

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MadJam's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:42 pm

+1 Brian. Vegas Tom's attitude appears to have the Jackie Robinson era written all over it.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:48 pm

Yeah Right!! I'm trying to keep James Jones a Packer, & get rid of AJ Hawk. Jackie Robinson, Right!!

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:51 pm

Health Issues was a Poor Choice of Words!! I take it back.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:25 pm

Tom, you're old school like me, but times are a changin. It couldn't be put n any contract because it would be discrimination. Believe it or not the first thing that is said, what about the shower, amoung almost every fan I've talked to. But CM said it himself, if he makes us a better team, then it doesn't matter. By the way, I would love to shower with a bunch of women.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:05 pm

I'm union, and that's absurd.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:45 pm

Not at all!! I mearly stated that there are Players who probably don't want this, & that they should have a say. I'll ask it again. What do you do with the Players who don't want this?? Shouldn't they have a say in the matter.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:07 pm

No.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:21 pm

FITZCORE1252, How about if we have Pam Oliver shower with all the players after the game? I don't imagine you see any thing wrong with that either. You sound more like Management than Union.

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Point Packer's picture

February 26, 2014 at 10:16 am

Keep digging. You are entering territory unexplored since Longshanks "graced" CHTV's comment section.

Your "health reasons" comment shows at best your ignorance and at worst, foreshadows your internal bigotry.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:29 am

I don't have any biotry in me, maybe a lot of ignorance. I took those words back. I don't really understand it, so I shouldn't have commented. My opinion was wrong. It's not a Union issue. I was trying to speak on something, I know nothing about. That was a mistake. I apologize.

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4thand1's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:59 am

Tom, you're a-ok. Hell its a touchy subject. Who really cares? I'll still respect you in the morning,lol

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James C's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:04 am

Vegas Tom, there are plenty of ways homophobic football players can avoid being uncomfortable in a locker room with a gay man. They can be the first ones to take a shower and shower quietly, they can be one of the last ones to shower, they could wear a bathing suit in the shower, or they could wait until they get home to shower. The point being the gay man shouldn't have to do things differently because he's gay, that's who he is and he can't change it; it should be up to the people that are uncomfortable with him that should change their habits and routine to match their phobias. 

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James C's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:19 am

Should a group of people that are afraid of flying be able to stop a plane from taking off? Should someone that is afraid of clowns be able to demand that a circus not use clowns?

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 12:57 pm

Anyone caught looking down in a shower in a locker room, gym, etc is not acceptable tom. I'm sure you have showered with gays in gym class etc. And I am sure there are gays in your union. I am not gay either nor do I understand it. Accepting people as people not lesser than you is what this is about. Go make plays on the field. When a dude grabs another dude by the sack in the shower then it is time to do something about it. In the meantime I hope all of this goes away.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:27 pm

Hey Ray, what if one grabbed you by the sack and you liked it? Just askin, lol.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:04 pm

Ray, Once again you've replied with Respect. You are a Credit to this post. I asked an Honest Question. There are Players who are against this. Right or Wrong?? Shouldn't they have a say in the matter? There were a lot of things I had to accept in a Union Shop that I didn't like. They were voted on by the membership. What do you tell the Players who are against this? Don't they have a say?

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Brian Carriveau's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:23 pm

They should only have a say if there's documented wrongdoing that take place. Not a pre-emptive strike.

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Kevin VG's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:35 pm

Brian, thanks for being respectable despite some asinine comments being said. I'm not sure what some people do in the shower, but for me it's all about getting clean. I could care less if the guy getting clean next to me would rather snuggle with a woman or a man at night. I'm so glad Matthews is more of a man than some posters here by saying it won't matter as long as the guy helps the Packers win games.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:44 pm

Brian, That was a Respectful reply, I appreciate it. I disagree. If that's the case, why didn't we have Co-Ed showering in School until there was some wrong doing?

The point I tried miserably to make was, It's a Players Union. Everyone has an opinion, whether he is Right or Wrong. As a 40 year Union Member, I believe in everyone having a say. I don't believe in Management putting things in effect, that are not agreed to by the entire membership. My opinion is, this needs to be made part of the Unions Contract, & voted on. This is a subject I wish I wouldn't have expressed my opinion on. I'm sure many Players feel as I do about it, but are probably afraid to say anything.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:11 pm

Union contracts are put together to handle, you know, work related issues. Who a guy sleeps with in their off-time is not one of them. Pretty simple really.

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Point Packer's picture

February 26, 2014 at 10:17 am

Exactly, Fitz.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:28 pm

It is my understanding that once an nfl player signs a contract they are represented by the players union. The majority of the players are younger and are willing to accept anybody without discrimination. The locker room can decide what behavior is acceptable among teamates. In miami the union went to bat for Dick in Disguise (ritche incognito) when he was suspended. He was found by the report of wrong doing but I am neutral on the situation leaning towards him. Terrell owens was suspended from the eagles and the union backed him up and we all know what a jackass he is. The point is the union is there to represent each player regardless of the situation. The union will have a gay players back until it is obvious he is a complete distraction to the whole locker room. I just want to make this gay issue go away. The more we make of gay people the more we make them celebrities. Let their work speak for themselves not what they do outside of work unless it is aaron hernandez asshole type stuff or good stuff.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:40 pm

Hey 4th, my sack would have to be damn itchy for me to enjoy another man even touching it. That being said I hope it never happens and if it does I will be raped financially by a doctor, not phisically by a gay man.

On another note I think I would enjoy a shower with a bunch of women but I can see myself getting in trouble with them, not in a legal way but unless I am a guest at heffners party that will probably never happen. Enough said.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:26 pm

LOL, good enough for me. It was just a joke anyway and I was trying to offend you.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:50 pm

Wasn't

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:36 pm

No offense taken. You stole one of my lines. I hope everyone got a good laugh at that. Probably some gay guys too.

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East Cost Pack Fan's picture

February 25, 2014 at 01:52 pm

Vegas Tom - the players so concerned with a gay player are welcome to not play. That is how person freedom works with anti-discrimination.

In 1962 when James Meredith attended Ole Miss many had problems with it. The answer isn't to ask the racists to vote on his acceptance. The answer is they don't have to attend college if it offends them so much. Any NFL player with enough concern over a gay man joining his team is welcome to walk away but you don't govern to protect his backwards/irrational feelings.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:13 pm

East Cost Pack Fan, I am not a Racist in any way. I am Union, & I don't believe in the minority imposing their will on the majority. It's not a matter of choosing not to play. It's a matter of choosing to play by the rules. In a Union, the majority prevails over the minority. It has nothing to do with Race or Discrimination.

I'm not against any gays. I think they should all come out. I would like to know how all the players feel about it. I would support their opinion.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:01 pm

4thand1, You're Right!! I wouldn't have minded Co-Ed showering in school. I didn't express my opinion very well. Things are changing, & I believe there will be a way to accommodate both sides.

I'm more interested in keeping James Jones a Packer, than I am with Gay's in the locker room.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:16 pm

Well I like JJ too. He is a class act. Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to keep him.

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Kg's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:14 pm

I just wanna talk football. I don't wanna know about a grown mans sex life. Keep it in the bedroom. I hope announcers don't talk about his sexual orientation during games, my little guy n me watch football together to enjoy the game not to hear about players sexual preferences.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:18 pm

Blame the media, they love a story that gets headlines. Hell, look at how much attention its getting in here in a couple of hours.

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Kg's picture

February 25, 2014 at 02:42 pm

It's true. It seems like everyday another person "comes out" and it's front page news. To me I could give a rats ass. That's your life and it has nothing to do with me and my family. I don't wanna hear about it personally

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FITZCORE1252's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:17 pm

Sam has had a terrible combine. He is stiff, slow and weak (as far as bench reps for D Lineman go). For these reasons and no others,i hope we stay away.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 03:27 pm

Let the 9ers draft him.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:27 pm

Was that a sanfransisco culture joke?

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4thand1's picture

February 26, 2014 at 07:38 am

Its hard to preform with a stiffie.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:36 pm

I just got a look at this years si swimsuit issue. For the second year I am disappointed with the body paint except for hannah ferguson. I wish they would ditch the fake swim suits and just go to leaves or whatever, get creative. I think that is hotter, I mean we can see hot chicks in swimsuits every day now. Let's spice it up more!

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Nononsense's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:43 pm

So if the union does have a vote on this and they vote to allow "Gays' in the lockeroom, than your ok with it?

Just imagine how some felt when the first black man entered an all white lockeroom. Segregation is segregation, doesn't matter if your talking about blacks and whites or gays and straights.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:51 pm

All the white guys were embarrassed.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 04:57 pm

Nononsense says: Yes as a 40 year Union Man, who took Union Wages instead of lower Non-Union Wages, I may not agree with it, but yes, I would accept it.

Black & White is a different issue here. That's why we never had Co-Ed showers in school. It has Nothing to do with Race or
Discrimination of Gays. You don't put men & women together in Locker Rooms. Why
would you put Gay's & Straights. It's Common Sense, Isn't it? What's wrong with separate showers, (IF) that's the way the majority of players want it?, & I say (IF).

Segregation is Discusting!! This is not Segregation.

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Phatgzus's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:13 am

There are plenty of co-ed locker rooms in the US and many more in more "bohemian" nations-hospitals and universities, for example, sometimes have co-ed locker rooms. The issue is not preeminently one of sexual preference, but maturity-that is why you didn't encounter co-ed locker rooms in school. By the time you're in your 20s (as almost all NFL players are) society expects you to have the maturity to be able to deal with these situations with grace and respect-those that are unable to are in the minority, not the majority, and that's why the Player's Union won't be changing for them, because even though the minority of players are gay, the majority of the straight players are mature enough to not have an issue with that.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 26, 2014 at 12:04 pm

Phatgzus, A very Respectful Reply, I didn't deserve. I showed my ignorance. I'm not a Bigot, nor do Discriminate against anyone. I was wrong. It's not a Union issue. My comments, were in POOR TASTE, & I APOLOGIZE for them. I should not have commented on something, I know nothing about, nor should I have tried to speak for anyone else, or as a Union Rep. My comments yesterday were Wrong & Misguided. Once again I Apologize for them, & would like to Remain a contributing member of this post.

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4thand1's picture

February 26, 2014 at 12:08 pm

C'mon Tom, you're making the rest of us assholes look bad.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 25, 2014 at 05:24 pm

I tried to change the subject. I just want this to go away and go back to talking football.

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:00 pm

Ray & 4thand1, I'm all done with it. I'm heading to Las Vegas in 2 1/2 weeks. GB is 20 - 1 to win next years SB. Think it's worth a few bucks$$$. 8 -1 to win the NFC. That looks too Good to be true.
Right Now, LV doesn't think much of GB.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:04 pm

Good, bring back the chip. Either does Artroll. Have fun, Tom

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:06 pm

4thand1, What does "bring back the chip mean??"

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:22 pm

To the Packers. They play better with a chip on their shoulder. Wish Vegas made them 100 to 1

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LAS VEGAS-TOM's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:29 pm

4thand1, They'll be 8-1 & 4-1 come September. I want to bet them now.

Seahawks & 49's are 5 & 8

GB is the 3rd pick for the NFC & 5TH for the SB

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 05:32 pm

Maybe the Cardnals should draft him and he would starve because he couldn't get served in any resturants. Then it would go away.

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packsmack25's picture

February 25, 2014 at 05:58 pm

I wish I could just light a fire in this thread and walk away. Sweet Jesus.

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WKUPackFan's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:15 pm

I wish I had back the minute and a half it took to scroll through it. I missed part of a good Spongebob cartoon. Patrick Star is smarter than some of these comments.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 06:23 pm

Never seen Patrick with a woman.

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WKUPackFan's picture

February 25, 2014 at 07:14 pm

Secret relationship with Sandy.

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4thand1's picture

February 25, 2014 at 09:37 pm

The asshole is backstabbing spongebob.

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Phatgzus's picture

February 26, 2014 at 11:14 am

In more ways than one.

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Jordan's picture

February 26, 2014 at 06:46 am

So what would happen if Lauren Silberman or some other woman made a team? Separate showers? Separate dressing room? Why? Could Silberman sue an NFL team if they didn't provide separate dressing room and showers? Could male players sue the NFL because they were being forced to shower with her? Could the players wives sue? Haha.

What's the difference between Sam and Silberman when it comes to their sexual preference.... assuming Silberman is heterosexual?

Complicated, isn't it.

http://abcnews.go.com/news/t/blogEntry?id=18642593&ref=https%3A%2F%2...

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4thand1's picture

February 26, 2014 at 07:36 am

So what if she's a lesbian and really hot? There will never be a woman in the NFL. EVER.

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ray nichkee's picture

February 26, 2014 at 01:10 pm

And the nwfl may never happen until we figure out how to make women look sexy in pads. I suggest playing on a mud field instead of grass. Do you think that would sell?

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Phatgzus's picture

February 27, 2014 at 07:42 pm

Never heard of the Lingerie Football league, eh?

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4thand1's picture

February 27, 2014 at 07:47 pm

LOL, I watched it one night and I'm still hard.

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