Former Dallas Cowboys DT Tony Casillas Says He Played With Homosexuals
By Mike Dyce
Dec. 4, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet on the field against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete in one of the 4 major sports. But while he might be the first one to go public with sexuality, others are claiming that they played with homosexual teammates.
Mainly Dallas Cowboys players from the early 90’s. Darren Woodson said he played with homosexual teammates and defensive tackle Tony Casillas went on a local radio show on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas to echo what he said.
“I know that I played with homosexual players, and I knew this when I was playing,” said Casillas.
“There is a certain amount of intimacy in the locker room. I’m not talking in the way, more of a personal, but intimacy as far as working hard and being that close together as far as accomplishing something on the football field.”
But he maintains that it didn’t effect their performance. That it was all about how they performed on the field. But he said while other things were fair game in the locker room banter like racial differences, sexuality was one area they all respected.
His comments seem to give the impression that athletes are more afraid of society than their teammates.
“There are a lot more dysfunctional things that go on in that locker room besides someone being gay.”
But he supports Collins, just like he supported his teammates back then.
“That’s why I applaud Jason Collins for coming out,” Casillas said.