Should Professional Athletes Have to Hide Their Sexuality?

In the macho world of professional sports, athletes always want to come across as the tough guy, both in and out of the playing arena.

Last week, Detroit Tigers center fielder Torii Hunter told the Los Angeles Times that an "out teammate could divide a team."

"For me, as a Christian," Hunter told the Times, "... I will be uncomfortable because in all my teachings and all my learning, biblically, it's not right," he said. "It will be difficult and uncomfortable."

Hunter later said he was misquoted.

Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes Tweeted earlier this season, "I have nothing against homosexuals or spiders but I'd still scream if I found one in my bathtub."

Spikes later said he was just joking.

There have been some athletes who have revealed their homosexuality after their careers were over, notably NFL player Esera Tuaolo, MLB player Billy Bean and NBA player John Amaechi, who wrote a book about his experience as a pro athlete who felt he needed to hide his sexuality to protect his career.

What do you think? Should professional athletes have to hide their sexuality? Tell us in the comments.