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Robbie Rogers Joins Los Angeles Galaxy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robbie Rogers is joining the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer in another step by openly gay athletes in professional sports.

He tells The Associated Press his fears about returning to soccer were eased by the support he received from family, fans and players, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan.

Rogers is ready to accept his role as the soccer league's first openly gay player. He says: "I don't know what I was so afraid of."

The 26-year-old winger had retired in February on the same day the former U.S. national team player publicly came out in a blog post.

Rogers' MLS rights had been held by the Chicago Fire. To acquire him, the two-time defending champion Galaxy traded high-scoring midfielder Mike Magee to Chicago.

Last month, NBA veteran Jason Collins came out, and Rogers spoke with him on the day of the center's announcement.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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