ers back into top form, and theyll also support him in his conspicuous new role. "Its going to take him a little time," said Arena, also the Galaxys general manager. "Hes got t

LOS ANGELES -- Until about a month ago, Robbie Rogers had no interest in being one of the highest-profile openly gay athletes in the world. Rogers didnt want the pressure or attention, and he was weary of soccer itself. After coming out and simultaneously retiring in February, the former MLS champion and U.S. national team player planned to devote himself to fashion school and family, not soccer or social change. Rogers told The Associated Press he changed his mind when he realized how much he still loved his sport -- and how much good he could do by playing it instead of standing on the sideline. "I dont know what I was so afraid of," Rogers said. "Its been such a positive experience for me. The one thing Ive learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people." Rogers joined the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer on Saturday, agreeing to a multiyear contract in another step by openly gay athletes in professional sports. The 26-year-old Rogers recently thought he would never pull on another jersey, imagining nonstop scrutiny and criticism. His concerns were eased by the strong support he received from family, fans and players, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan. Now Rogers is eager to be more than a footnote. He is determined to thrive as the leagues first openly gay player. "People are just really growing and accepting and loving," Rogers said. "Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting." The two-time defending champion Galaxy traded top scorer Mike Magee to acquire Rogers, an MLS veteran who spent the last two seasons in England. He trained with the Galaxy in recent weeks and hoped to continue his career in his native Southern California. The Galaxy made it happen by giving up the popular Magee in a trade with the Chicago Fire, who held Rogers MLS rights. "I want to get back to soccer, which is what I love," Rogers said. "I get to do something I love, and I get to help people and be a positive role model. Im really excited to set a great example for other kids that are going through the same thing I went through. Its a perfect world for me, a perfect world." Coach Bruce Arena thinks Rogers already is in decent shape despite 18 months with little match experience. Arena figures Rogers could be a strong contributor to the Galaxy by July, but he could play in any upcoming match. "Certainly the league, and I think the fans, are going to be receptive in a real positive way," Arena told the AP. "But were not in this to pioneer social issues. Were trying to win games as a team, and were trying to produce the best team we can. Robbie has shown us that he has the potential to still be a real good player in our league, and thats what were hopeful of." Rogers is mindful of the place hell take in the culture when he steps on the field this summer, but the skilled, speedy winger is even more excited to contend for MLS titles and another chance to play the U.S. national team -- a stark contrast from his plans earlier this year when he was accepted to the menswear program at the London College of Fashion. "I had a lot of fear to come back to the game," Rogers said, remembering countless instances of homophobia everywhere from the stands to locker rooms. "I was just afraid I was putting myself in an environment that in the past had affected my mental health because I always felt like an outcast. I felt that I couldnt be myself." "But its been amazing," he added. "Its been normal, just as it should be. Im a soccer player. I happen to be gay, but Im a professional soccer player, and I have been since I was 18, 19. ... Im just really excited to go back to the game, and excited to deal with these stupid stereotypes that are out there with athletes and the gay community, just a bunch of different things." Hes certainly not alone in this movement. NBA veteran Jason Collins came out late last month, and Rogers spoke with Collins on the day of the centres announcement. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who plays for Lyon in France, came out last year before the London Olympics. Shes expected to join the Seattle team of the new National Womens Soccer League in mid-June. Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, and Seimone Augustus of the Minnesota Lynx are among that leagues openly gay players. Sheryl Swoopes, a retired WNBA All-Star and current college coach, came out in 2005 during her playing days. But any day now, Rogers is likely to become the first openly gay male athlete to play in North Americas biggest professional leagues, a fact thats still a bit surprising to both Rogers and Collins. "I would have thought more athletes would have taken that step, I guess," Rogers said. "People have seen how accepting everyone has been of Jasons and my story. I think its going to take just more time and more athletes coming out. Its all about seeing that its not something to be afraid of. Its not going to hurt your career." While MLS has a fraction of the NBAs popularity, Rogers has the potential to be more influential than Collins or featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz, who has won two fights since coming out last year. Collins is a journeyman basketball player without a contract for next season, while Rogers is an accomplished international soccer player in his prime. Rogers won an NCAA title at Maryland in 2005 and an MLS title with Columbus in 2008 while making the all-league first team. He has played sparingly over the past two years for English clubs Leeds and Stevenage after leaving the Crew in December 2011. But his workouts at the Galaxys training complex in Carson, Calif., were enticing enough, even if Rogers acknowledged hes "definitely a bit rusty right now." The Galaxy will work on getting Rogers back into top form, and theyll also support him in his conspicuous new role. "Its going to take him a little time," said Arena, also the Galaxys general manager. "Hes got to adjust to the Galaxy. Hes got to get himself in better form with the ball and his fitness. That takes time for any player, as weve witnessed with Landon over the last six to eight weeks. Its going to take some time. We hope Robbie can turn the corner quickly." Rogers is joining his leagues highest-profile team, with Donovan and Irish captain Robbie Keane leading a roster expected to contend for a third straight championship. After six years as David Beckhams home before the English midfielders departure last December, the Galaxy know all about the spotlight that will be cast on Rogers. "Theres obviously going to be attention, and I think that we are no stranger to that," Galaxy President Chris Klein told the AP. "I think the biggest piece of this is the maturity of Robbie, and were quite confident in that. Were there to stand behind him as an organization. He has shown to be a guy that has a tremendous amount of character and integrity, and I think hes going to fit our organization really well." The deal is a risk for the Galaxy, who traded a beloved fan favourite for Rogers. Magee, a Chicago native, has won two titles and scored eight post-season goals in four years with the Galaxy, and he leads the club with six goals this season. But Los Angeles is enticed by the potential of Rogers, who has played 18 times for the U.S. national team, scoring two goals. He dreams of playing for the American team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but knows it wont happen unless he excels with the Galaxy. Rogers immediately felt comfortable training with the Galaxy and resuming his friendship with Donovan, meeting the U.S. national team star for coffee. Hes also confident his attacking game on the wing can help the Galaxy, who havent replaced Beckhams bending passes from the flank this season. "Theyve been very accepting to me and very cool with me," Rogers said. "Im just excited to get on the road with these guys and continue the season." Aware that a whirlwind of attention is approaching, Rogers plans to lean on his faith. He also hopes his decision to use soccer as a platform for tolerance and acceptance leads more gay athletes to come out, even while his primary focus is on the game he has loved since his youth. "Youre just going to be treated the same as any other athlete," he said. "Its going to take time, but its inevitable that the time will come when youre solely judged on your performance. Thats going to happen. You cant put a time frame on it, but I think its in the near future because I really have felt a shift in our society and acceptance in our sports world. I honestly think in the next few years, its not going to be an issue." Charlie Coyle Jersey . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. Jake DeBrusk Jersey http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/john-moore-hockey-jersey/ . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. Charlie McAvoy Jersey . LOUIS -- St. Milan Lucic Bruins Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. ARLINGTON, Texas --?Dallas Cowboys?owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged speaking with the NFLs special counsel for domestic violence investigations, and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott said he was interviewed by the league this season about an abuse claim made against him.Elliott said after Sunday nights 29-23 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Eagles that he was interviewed once by NFL investigators about six weeks ago. He characterized there being an ongoing investigation but said he didnt really know what was going on.Prosecutors in Ohio declined to press charges over the summer in a domestic violence case involving the fourth overall draft pick.All I can do is not worry about it, focus on this team and do whatever I can do to help these guys get wins, Elliott told The Associated Press after running 22 times for 96 yards and catching four passes for 52 yards against the Eagles.CBS Sports reported earlier Sunday, citing multiple unnamed sources, that Jones raised the topic of the investigation during league meetings in Houston about two weeks ago with Lisa Friel, a former New York prosecutor serving as special counsel. That report said they were within earshot of other league and team executives.Jones said after Sunday nights game that the two had a good discussion. He said the conversation might have gotten loud but said it was a situation where he had to talk over the music.Asked if the interaction was contentious, Jones responded with a laugh, Well, I dont know about that, but certainly, the volume of it had a lot to do with noise in there.In September, when Ohio officials decided not to file criminal chaarges, the Columbus city attorneys office cited conflicting and inconsistent information in evidence.ddddddddddddA police report said Elliott, who played at Ohio State, denied allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend in July, causing bruises and abrasions.Three witnesses told police they didnt see Elliott assault the 20-year-old woman. Elliott said the woman got the bruises and abrasions in a bar fight.Asked if the Elliott investigation would have closure soon, Jones replied, I dont know that the NFL has a closure, has a situation where theyve cut it close, which could be a frailty of the system.He continued: As you know, in law, one of the things in the Constitution is that not only are you innocent before proven guilty, you get quick addressing and then you dont get it drawn out. It has certain time frames and has a lot of economic limitations. So we have to, in my mind, just make sure that we inject that in ... [what] we do in the NFL.Jones went on to say that because many issues within the league are so public, it complicates how they are ultimately handled and addressed.?Thats one of the challenges we have in dealing with these sensitive social issues, he said. Make no mistake about it, the NFL does not want to -- I guess I have to do my disclaimer, but obviously were not for bullying and were certainly, certainly, certainly not for the issue of domestic violence. That area there is one were having to get our hands around.ESPN staff writer Todd Archer contributed to this report. ' ' '