by Rex Wockner
International News
Former UK professional soccer player Paul Elliott, who was the Scottish Player of the Year in 1990-1991, said Oct. 16 that he knows 12 current top players who are gay but not out.
Elliott spoke at a forum called "Homophobia – Football's Final Taboo" organized by the group Kick It Out, which is funded by soccer's governing bodies and "works throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge racism and work for positive change," according to its Web site.
Elliott said the players are reluctant to come out for fear of homophobic chanting at games and other negative reactions.
"I've known a dozen players who are gay," he said. "I understand why they do not want to come out. Like racism, there is no place for homophobia in sport."
