Justin Verlander 'wouldn't mind' openly gay teammate

Tigers ace/2011 AL MVP Justin Verlander tells CNN's Carol Costello that he "wouldn't mind" an openly gay teammate and would "absolutely" accept that teammate in the clubhouse. Verlander went on to say that he's "sure there are" gay players currently in MLB.

Here's more on the subject from the decorated right-hander:

"I don't think one of our players would be scared to come out. We got 25 guys, it's a family, and our goal is to win a World Series. What your sexual orientation is, I don't see how that affects the ultimate goal of our family."

In making those comments, Verlander joins Curt Schilling as one of the most prominent current or former major leaguers to come down on the side of acceptance with regard to this issue. Verlander's comments also stand in contrast to those of new Tiger Torii Hunter, who, in December said having an openly gay teammate would be "difficult and uncomfortable."

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