Former New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals free safety Kerry Rhodes has expressed his belief that he was not "blacklisted" as a result of rumours surrounding his sexuality.
A male former associate of Rhodes claimed that they were in a relationship together after photos emerged of the pair, and the 31-year-old has reportedly not received an offer to play in the NFL since.
Rhodes was offered a contract by the Cardinals at the end of the 2012 season, before the rumours over his sexual preference came out, but turned it down to pursue other business ventures.
The former fourth-round Draft pick, who has denied that he is gay, insists that that was the reason behind the lack of interest from other teams, rather than any prejudice.
"I don't think I was blacklisted. Especially with the NFL I don't think they would do that. To me it was a product of me wanting to do other things and not finding the right opportunity," Rhodes is quoted as saying by ESPN.
The NFL is expected to welcome its first openly gay player when Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam enters the Draft in May.
Barney Corkhill
