That is an actual quote from a Brazillian judge's decision in a widely-publicized slander case (AP coverage here). Basically, Plameiras club director Jose Cryillo Junior hints that midfielder Richarlyson, who plays for rivals Sao Paulo, is homosexual. Richarlyson (odd name, even for a Brazilian soccer player) sues for slander, and the judge rules against him. In his decision, he also wrote that  it would not be "reasonable to accept homosexuals in Brazilian soccer because it would hurt the uniformity present," and suggested that allowing homosexuals into a "virile" sport like soccer would lead to affirmative action and quotas for homosexuals. 

 At first glance, this story does not look like it has a good ending - Richarlyson is jeered, other Brazilian soccer players who pose in gay magazines (apparently not unheard of in Brazil) are harassed even by their own fans, and there are no openly gay players in the top league. However, a deeper look reveals some positive signs. Tales of closeted players have recieved sympathetic airings, the judge has had to withdraw his ruling after being confronted by the ethics board that oversees such decisions, and has taken a "leave of absence," and, most importantly, at some players seem to be pushing for change. Here's to hoping it continues, for, as Richarlyson said, "This is a disrespect not only to me, it's a disrespect to Brazil. All that matters is if the player can do his job on the field."

Almost one year after the head-butt heard ‘round the world, Italian footballer (soccer player for those of you on this side of the Atlantic) Marco Materazzi is suing for libel against three different newspapers in the UK.

In my last post, I (hopefully) helped you feel a bit more at home in the world of local spectator sports.  This time around, I’ve got the goods for those of you who prefer to get into the game yourselves.  If you can handle the heat, Washington, DC offers quite the array of athletic leagues and events.  Details after the jump.