He is one of the most popular pro athletes within the gay community for his boyish looks and sculpted physique, but Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn is under fire for allegedly yelling anti-gay slurs and harassing patrons outside a Cleveland bar.
Quinn vehemently denies the accusations and the Browns have stood by their player. Quinn was not arrested and no charges have been filed against him.
On New Year's Eve, Seth Harris placed a call to 911, accusing Quinn of harassing gay patrons at a local bar. According to the Associated Press, Harris told the 911 operator, 'There's a group of football players, Brady Quinn from the Browns ... and he's trying to cause a fight. His friends are yelling at all of the gay people that are around here.'
Police arrived on the scene outside of La Fogata Grill, and Quinn was seen arguing with 32-year-old Jason Thompson. According to police spokeswoman Amanda Ford, Quinn stepped back from the argument, and the police did not hear any anti-gay comments during the altercation. They did apprehend Thompson after he turned his anger toward officers and refused to leave the scene.
In a statement released by Quinn, he said, 'At no time that night was I involved in a verbal or physical altercation, nor did I have any interaction with the police. I want to be clear that I did not engage in any of the alleged conduct, nor did I make inappropriate comments to anyone. Any allegations to the contrary are either untrue or the result of misidentification.'
In a statement, the Browns stand by Quinn. 'We are aware of the alleged comments made by Brady Quinn, which the Browns take seriously. After speaking with Brady and his representatives we find these reported accusations without merit.'
Quinn was the Browns' first-round draft pick in 2007 and appeared in one game last season, completing three of eight pass attempts for 45 yards. He threw no touchdowns.
Quinn was a standout at Notre Dame, breaking 36 school records during his four-year run with the Fighting Irish.
