Minn. United Player Publicly Comes Out Ahead Of Pride Night

Minnesota United MF Collin Martin on Friday announced he is gay, becoming the second MLS player "to publicly come out." Former player Robbie Rogers, who retired after last season, came out in '13. Martin's announcement comes as the club "hosts its Pride Night in support of the LGBTQ community on Friday." Minnesota United is planning "many festivities and displays of support to the gay community" ahead of Friday's match against FC Dallas (TWINCITIES.com, 6/29). Martin "informed the team on Monday of his plan to announce he was gay" ahead of Pride Night. He will be the "only publicly gay athlete currently playing in one of the five major U.S. men's sports leagues" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 6/29).

As part of the club's Pride Night, rainbow scarves will "flank the players' tunnel before kickoff," while uniform numbers will be "rainbow-colored." The stadium LED boards "will show multicolor displays, and there will be a special video pregame" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/29).