Italy player hopes there are no gays on Euro team

KRAKOW, Poland – Italy forward Antonio Cassano says he hopes there are no gays on his team at the European Championship, then used a derogatory word to describe them.

After being told by an Italian reporter there might be some closeted gay players on the team, Cassano appeared at a loss for words before responding. He says, "That's their problem, but I hope not. ... But I don't know."

Cassano says he hopes his answer has sufficed "because if not, you know I'll be attacked from every direction."

Earlier this year, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli came out in support of gay soccer players.