Fred Smoot Discusses Gay Players in NFL, Party Boat Scandal and Deflategate

Fred Smoot, who spent nine seasons in the NFL as a cornerback for the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings, expressed some opinions Monday regarding hot-button issues in a Reddit Ask Me Anything.  

The topic of gay players in the NFL has come up often since the St. Louis Rams drafted defensive end Michael Sam in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, but Smoot made it clear that it isn't a new phenomenon by any means.

According to the AMA (warning: contains language NSFW), Smoot encountered "several" gay teammates during his time in the league, "everyone knew" they were gay, and "no one cares" about the sexual orientation of their teammates.

Smoot was also asked about the infamous "Love Boat" scandal during his time with the Vikes, which allegedly involved himself, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, running back Moe Williams and other players engaging in lewd, indecent and disorderly conduct on a party boat in 2005. Ultimately, Smoot, McKinnie and Williams were convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Culpepper was cleared of the charges. 

JIM MONE/Associated Press

The 36-year-old retiree admitted that the situation would have been handled much differently had it occurred under current commissioner Roger Goodell's watch, per the AMA: "I'd have been banished from the league."

Goodell is currently wrapped up in the Deflategate scandal involving quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Despite his status as a defensive player, Smoot believes the entire situation has been blown out of proportion, per the AMA: "Why was that ever a story? My thoughts are that unless the integrity of the game depends on the PSI of a football, then we really shouldnt be talking about it."

Smoot, who racked up 104 starts and 21 interceptions over the course of his fruitful career, spoke candidly about a number of things that current NFL players usually try not to dwell on.

Since Smoot has the benefit of not having to answer to anyone for his opinions, he is able to be forthright and honest about controversial subject matter.

While Smoot obviously doesn't speak for everyone, getting the perspective of a longtime NFL standout with regard to gay players, Deflategate and more gives fans a much better idea about how those topics are truly viewed in NFL locker rooms.

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