“I don’t believe in how some people live. When it comes time and you’re standing in front of God, you have to face judgment for what you do. Now if you’re doing something wrong, it is my responsibility as a Christian and a human being to try to guide you away from doing something wrong. All I can do is try to guide you. I can’t lead you.”

Boston Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin, explaining why he would not participate in makeovers on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” 2005

“Like my boy tells me: If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it is a rat.”

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens, implying former teammate Jeff Garcia is gay, 2004

“You faggot! Yeah, you heard me. You faggot!”

Detroit Lions president Matt Millen to Kansas City Chiefs receiver Johnnie Morton, 2003

“No, I mean, if I knew there was a gay guy on my college football team, I probably wouldn’t, you know, stand for it. … You know, I think, you know, they’re going to be in the shower with us and stuff, so I don’t think that’s gonna work. That’s not gonna work, you know?”

New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, 2002

“Aww, hell no! I don’t want any faggots on my team. I know this might not be what people want to hear, but that’s a punk. I don’t want any faggots in this locker room.”

San Francisco running back Garrison Hearst, 2002

“I wouldn’t want a gay guy being around me. It’s got nothing to do with me being scared. That’s the problem: All these people say he’s got all these rights. Yeah, he’s got rights or whatever, but he shouldn’t walk around proud. It’s like he’s rubbing it in our face. ‘See me, hear me roar.’ We’re not trying to be close-minded, but then again, why be confrontational when you don’t really have to be?”

Colorado Rockies pitcher Todd Jones, 2002

‘‘Imagine having to take the 7 train to [Shea Stadium in New York] looking like you’re [in] Beirut next to some kid with purple hair, next to some queer with AIDS, right next to some dude who got out of jail for the fourth time, right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It’s depressing.’’

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker, 1999