-pointers less than 2 minutes apart during the

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SALEM, Ore. -- Conner Mertens didnt want to pretend anymore -- especially with his teammates. So the redshirt freshman kicker at Division III Willamette announced Tuesday that hes bisexual. "It got to a point where I just got tired of it, trying to hide who I was and trying to pretend I was something I was not," he said. Mertens, 19, announced his sexual orientation to his teammates during a meeting on Monday. A story about him appeared on Outsports.com on Tuesday. Speaking on campus later in the afternoon, Mertens said he hopes his announcement helps dispel the stereotypes and stigmas associated with bisexual athletes -- and in turn let other LGBT athletes know they are not alone. "You can be real and you can be yourself," Mertens said. "That only starts when you can love yourself and let others love you. Thats kind of where I was going with this." Bearcats coach Glen Fowles said the players were overwhelmingly supportive of his decision. "Its been great to see the way our guys have rallied around," Fowles said. "For our guys, Conner is just a kicker." Team captain and junior inside linebacker Jack Nelson said: "It wasnt a big deal and we were glad he felt comfortable to tell us." While several LGBT athletes have come out, including former NBA player Jason Collins, WNBA star Brittney Griner and Major League Soccer player Robbie Rogers, its believed that Mertens is the first active college football player at any level to publicly announce his bisexuality. Willamette issued a statement supporting Mertens decision, saying the university "respects his contribution to a more humane and just world." Fowles joked about how Mertens first approached him: "He says, Coach, Im really going to utilize this open door policy." Mertens, who told his family just after Christmas, said he was humbled by the response. "It sounds corny, but I legitimately feel theres a weight off my shoulders. Its tiring to pretend your something else for 24-7, for 18 or 19 years of your life," he said. "So finally to be able to joke about it, to be honest about it, not have to put on this mask, Im finally able to take a deep breath." The Bearcats play in the Northwest Conference. The team went 7-2 overall last season and finished third in the league at 4-2. Mertens did not play his freshman season because he hurt his left knee while playing soccer. He will compete with two other kickers on the Bearcats roster. cheap jerseys . Dominic Oduro put the visitors on top after 26 minutes, but LaBrocca equalized less than two minutes into the second half, giving the Fire 12 draws already this season, just two short of the MLS single-season record of 14 set last season by FC Dallas. Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy did well to keep out an effort from Oduro in the eighth minute, but the Chicago striker was not going to be denied midway through the opening half. cheap jerseys from china .J. -- Jaromir Jagr has decided to remain with the New Jersey Devils for another year. http://www.nflchinawholesalejerseyscheap.com/. Vincent Lecavalier - whose Philadelphia Flyers host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night - told reporters after the morning skate that it does make him think twice about the subject, but stopped short on saying if it should be taken out altogether. cheap nfl jerseys . Gee shook off the rough patch in an otherwise strong outing, Lucas Duda backed him with a homer and single to drive in four runs, and the New York Mets beat the Colorado Rockies 7-5 on Saturday night. wholesale nfl jerseys . Brooks scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter against his former club, spearheading a 101-92 victory over Boston on Friday night and helping snap a franchise-record eight-game home losing streak. Bazemore had 15 points, including a pair of clutch 3-pointers less than 2 minutes apart during the final 4:20 as the Lakers outscored the Celtics 38-18 in the final period.Toronto FCs forward ranks may have taken a severe hit on Monday with Nigerian striker Bright Dike reportedly suffering a torn Achilles. The 27-year-old suffered the injury while training with Toronto FC, according to Goal.com. The injury is expected to keep him out for the year and will prevent him from participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Although behind the likes of Jermain Defoe and Gilberto on FCs forward depth chart, Dike was believed to be an important beench piece for the newly-remodeled Toronto squad.ddddddddddddHe was a candidate for Nigerias World Cup team, having been recalled for the teams World Cup qualification playoff against Ethiopia as well as having scored a goal in a November friendly against Italy. Dike had previously suffered a similar injury just two years ago while playing with the Portland Timbers. He scored one goal in seven appearances (five starts) with Toronto FC in 2013. ' ' '