Two days ago we reported that former San Francisco 49ers left tackle Kwame Harris was facing multiple charges because he beat up ex-boyfriend Dimitri Geier over a soy sauce incident and several other discrepancies.
News of the charges and the fact that harris is a homosexual made its way down to his former organization and teammates who are preparing for a Super Bowl.
According to USA Today, several 49ers that played with Harris are showing support for him, and said that knowing he was gay “would not have made a difference in the locker room.”
“I don’t think so, not at all,” tight end Delanie Walker, who played with Harris for two seasons, said. “It probably wouldn’t affect me, but other guys might feel different.”
Walker said that Harris sexual orientation wasn’t known or question during his time on the roster from 2003-07.
“I wouldn’t assume that anybody who’s gay that played on the team,” Walker said.
“That’s him. If that’s what he’s into, that’s what he’s into. I can’t judge a person for how he feels. Things happen. He was a great player. I don’t see him no differently.”
Several other 49ers offered their opinions.
“We all come from various different backgrounds, whatever they are,” 49ers long snapper Brian Jennings said. “We’re all there for the common purpose of winning football games. I don’t know if it mattered or if anyone was aware of his sexual orientation.”
Punter Andy Lee, who said he didn’t know Harris well, seemed equally ambivalent.
“To each his own. It is what it is. You go about it and do your job and that’s what you’re there for,” the three-time Pro Bowl player said.
“Whatever sexual preference you have, that’s your own thing. That’s not anything for me to judge you on.”
Harris appeared in court plead not guilty to those charges on Monday.