Former Michigan State (and Flint Northern) standout, former Pistons first round pick and current Pistons analyst for Fox Sports Detroit Mateen Cleaves was recently a guest on Fox Sports Radio, and among other things, he discussed homosexuality and sports — namely whether an openly gay athlete would be accepted in a locker room. Here was his response, via Cyd Zeigler of Out Sports/SB Nation:
Former NBA player @Mateen_Cleaves says he has no problem with gays, it's a shame locker room might not accept them - via @foxsportsradio
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) March 3, 2013
I’m still trying to dig up audio of the appearance, but have been unsuccessful so far. If anyone happened to hear it and wants to pass along a link in the comments, feel free.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander expressed similar receptive comments to CNN today.