Full Split (Forbidden Goals)

by Rebecca Rathe

Jack Perry from the Carolina Panthers, most of these players have been accepted into the fold and treated normally.” “Yeah, after the media circus with that ex-girlfriend, no one really cared about anything other than him collecting Super Bowl rings,” Vickie says, nodding. “Why does that matter, though?” Brandon asks. “He’s like, the golden boy of the NFL.” “You’re proving my point,” Mik says, smiling. “Even in spaces that are considered to be the pinnacle of toxic masculinity, we were seeing a rise of acceptance and a push for more diversity everywhere.” “A few players have come out or even been drafted as out players, which is huge,” Weston adds. “Like who?” Brandon asks. “I don’t remember hearing anything about it.” “Again, proving my point. Because most people simply don’t care who athletes love or go home to, they just care that they’re good players in the end.” “But who, though?” Brandon asks. We all laugh. "Those guys that play for the Tampa Bay Rays, the catcher and pitcher, aren't they together?" Shane says. "They're not together," Rina answers. "Gabe Rodgers, the catcher, is married to the pitcher's brother. They're best friends though and are super precious. They do this cute little handshake before the games, like one of those super elaborate ones where they snap and bump hips at the end." "I dunno, that sounds pretty gay," Shane says. Vickie reaches over and smacks him. “What?” he mouths, rubbing his thigh. Vickie ignores him, her eyes closing, fingers snappin...