Posted by Stephen Fry on Twitter....

I heard this morning that Steve Davis had came out, i thought blimey his wife musnt be well pleased (thinking it was the snooker player!)
But well done Steven Davis

I think Stephen Fry summed it up nicely.
I will admit to being teary when he said, in the interview, how his parents reacted to the news he was gay.
If only every gay person could have that kind of love and support when they come out.

A rugby player, a cricketer.  Now all we need is one brave footballer to inspire the rest.

Best of luck to Stephen, top man

Fashanu was the only gay footballer who came out and he was treated very badly for doing it.

Yeah I know, I still think whoever did now would have to be very strong, they'd get a lot of stick But we have moved on a lot since Fashanu...not enough, but a lot.

I agree with you Yogi.

Yes, the bit about his parents was touching. It perhaps reflects on why he comes across as an unpretentious and reasonable young man with his feet on the ground.
I hope he doesn't get too much negative stuff thrown his way and that he feels a fuller and happier person as a result of this.
(I also thought the interviewer was good - not avoiding anything but treating it in an unsensational way.)

justin fashanu commited suicide...............i think we'd all like to hope that the ignorance surrounding gay footballers has disappeared..........sadly i don't believe it has..........a few years ago there were rumours graeme le saux was gay (it wasn't true).and robbie fowler taunted him by bending over in front of him and patting his own backside.this was during a game.......

i have no doubt there are many many gay football players.......but i don't believe they will ever come out and speak openly about it whilst they're still playing..........because of things like the example above.....and the abuse they'd get from supporters who'd think it was funny...............

perhaps once retired from the game they may be more open........it's a shame people can't just be who they are without facing prejudice

The problem with football is more to do with the abuse from the terraces imo than from colleagues although there are always going to some eejits who can't resist having a go 

I hope that Steven goes on to be known as a great cricketer and not just a 'gay' cricketer because ultimately is shouldn't matter whether he's gay or not, it's whether he can keep wicket and get some runs 

As long as he doesn't bat for the other side, good for him! 

I respect and admire his decision
Davies is only the third leading sportsman to come out following rugby star Gareth Thomas in 2009 and footballer Justin Fashanu, who took his own life in 1998.

A nice supportive article in The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/spor...28/steven-davies-gay

Thought this was about Davies the snooker player. Good luck to him. Each to his/her own in todays society.

Why should football players or any sports persons have to announce that they are gay? You dont see straight footballers announcing that they are straight. If they want to keep their private lives private then it's up to them. Why is it a 'shame' that a lot of sportsmen/women don't announce it to the world?
I watched something not too long ago where danny mills who used to play in the premier league said some players came out to their team mates, so their team mates know and it's not an issue (why should it be?)... so that's fine, but why should they have to announce it to the world?

I don't think anybody thinks they should have to Dave.  
The difficulty is for those who want to come out, but fear the consequences.
Many find it a very big strain having 'to live a lie' and deceive sometimes their own family even.

Living their whole life in a deceit is very unpalatable to many gay people, and a burden.
The relief for many after coming out can be enormous.
But football is a notoriously difficult arena in which to do it.

Sorry Im not very good with words but what i meant was just because they havent announced it to the world doesnt mean they havent come out. their team mates, friends and family might know.

Ah!  I see Dave.  I understand.
Thanks for clarifying. 

I thought the same!

I am pleased to see that the media reports continue to give credit and support to Steven Davies for coming out.
Many see it as more than a big gesture on his part, but as an action which will influence cricket and other sports in a positive way.
Many cricketers and officials have seemed generous and sincere in their praise of Steven.