Robbie Rogers has already made history by becoming the first openly gay male athlete to join a major sports team. He could make even more significant history as soon as Sunday, as the new LA Galaxy midfielder has reportedly received his International Transfer Certificate and will be eligible to play against the Seattle Sounders.
Robbie Rogers receives ITC, will be eligible to play vs. Sounders, report says
ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman, citing a source, says Rogers could become the first openly gay male professional athlete to appear in play in a major league.
Robbie Rogers ITC has arrived and will be in 18 tonight according to a source. #ESPN2 #LAvSEA #11pmET
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) May 26, 2013
Rogers was only officially unveiled as the newest Galaxy signee a day earlier, suggesting this paperwork was probably filed awhile ago as it’s hard to imagine that FIFA keeps office hours on the weekend. Reports that Rogers had agreed to terms with the Galaxy and MLS began to surface early Friday.
Even if he is eligible, it’s hard to imagine that Rogers is capable of playing significant minutes. Injuries have limited him to just six competitive appearances since the end of the 2011 MLS season and he was retired as recently as a month ago. Prior to leaving MLS, though, he was a promising young player who had earned 18 international caps, who had been named to the MLS Best XI in 2008.
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