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Tuesday, Apr 2, 2013 5:47 PM UTC

Washington Redskin Adam Carriker: NFL’s first out player will “depend on the locker room”

The defensive end says NFL veteran leadership must help change league culture and welcome gay players VIDEO

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Topics: Video, NFL, Sports, Gay, Gay Rights, gay athletes, ,

Washington Redskin Adam Carriker: NFL's first out player will (Credit: YouTube)

Washington Redskins defensive end and pro wresting radio show co-host Adam Carriker addressed rumors circulating that an NFL player is getting ready to come out of the closet on his show “4th and Pain” this week.

Carriker responded that whoever this player is, he will need to feel welcomed in the locker room first and foremost. And more than just his teammates, the NFL’s first openly gay player will need support from league veterans:

Odds are somebody out there in the big wide world of the NFL is gay. It’s tough to come out with these things. If somebody comes out, I think it’s going to depend on the locker room. There are certain locker rooms that have veteran leadership more so than others.

And if the player turns out to be a Redskin? “I don’t think it would be a big deal. We have a lot of veteran good guys… good veteran leadership on this team,” Carriker said.

Related: If Carriker wants to talk pro wrestling and gay rights on his next show, he may consider bringing on pro wrestler, feminist, equal rights champion and awesome person Mick Foley. (Not sure why? Do yourself a favor and watch this.)

Katie McDonough is an assistant editor for Salon, focusing on lifestyle. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com. More Katie Mcdonough.

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