DOI star and Olympian Colin Jackson says he knows of gay Premiership footballers
"For me, if I was a Premier League footballer, would I come out? I’d say no"
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: ITV
Dancing On Ice star Colin Jackson has said he knows of closeted gay Premiership footballers – adding that he wouldn’t come out if he was one of them.
The Olympic hurdler, who is participating on the current 13th series of the ITV ice skating show, came out as gay at the age of 50.
In an interview with The Sun, the star also explained that he knows of gay players in the world of rugby.
“You might be expected to go to every Pride and event across the world”
“There are gay people in society and gay people in rugby and Premier League footballers which is quite right,” he told the publication. “It’s up to them whether they chose to come out.
“For me, if I was a Premier League footballer, would I come out? I’d say no. The reason why I’d say no is that just concentrate on your game.
“As soon as you come out people will be asking questions ‘What about this? What about that?’ They should be concentrating on their game. That is their job. That is their role.
“You can come out in 20 years or when you want to come out, but right now, just focus on your skills.”
Colin, 53, added: “Once you come out, you might be expected to go to every Pride and event across the world. No, no. Just do what you want to do. You’re still the same person, do what you want to do. That’s the most important thing. You’re a human being, just live your life. And love.”
Colin is a two-time World Championship gold medallist in the 110m hurdles.
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