Not only has a simple Google search displayed his privates all over the Internet, but the Toronto media has been relentless with the Leafs and Tlusty since the photos emerged.

There are numerous fans that have come to support Jiri in this time citing that it was a mistake, which he has learned from, so move on. Others have attacked him saying he's gay and has no right to play in the NHL. These same fans attack any fans that rally in support behind Jiri.

The blatant homophobia of some fans saying that absolutely no bi-sexual or gay man should be allowed to play in the NHL is unbelievable in this day and age of acceptance in society of a person's sexual orientation. Some even state that it is a detriment to society to have a gay or bi-sexual person in the NHL and he should be forced to resign.

This is exactly why so many sports figures are quiet about their own sexuality. Even in these times where people are more at peace with their own sexuality, there are still those who believe that anyone that is not straight should not be allowed to play in professional sports.

There are laws that state that it is illegal to deny a person a job based on their sexual orientation. For many years, President Clinton had enacted the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy within the armed forces. This policy was made in an effort to protect those individuals from being harmed by people who were homophobic.

This is why so many bi-sexual and gay athletes choose to remain silent about their sexuality. First, it is private. Second, their sexuality does not define the type of player they are during the course of the game. Gays and bi-sexuals do not play any differently then they did before people found out they were gay or bi-sexual. They still play the same as they did when people thought they were straight.

These photos that were released of Tlusty was an infringement on his privacy, especially now that the Toronto media has launched a full fledged attack on Tlusty's personal life. "It has nothing to do with anything he does on the ice," Chad Kilger (F, Toronto Maple Leafs) said.

Darcy Tucker (R, Toronto Maple Leafs) added, "The mistake that was made was very understandable...He got taken advantage of by someone."

Tlusty is only 19 years old, and this is his first year in the NHL.

Leafs general manager John Ferguson issued the following statement:

"Photographs were posted recently on the Internet without Jiri's knowledge or consent. He made a naive mistake as a teenager. It's a lesson in how something private can easily become very public in the Internet age. Hopefully it's a lesson that other people will learn from as well.''

While these photos are being used by the media to damage this young man's career, it's actually helping his career. How many hockey fans outside of Toronto can actually say they knew who Tlusty was prior to the release of these photos? How many female hockey fans can now say they are a fan of Tlusty?

These photos should not be looked at in a negative light. In a way, it has helped his freshman career in the NHL. He's gained a much broader fan base throughout North America (as well as in other countries, including his home country, the Czech Republic).

Tlusty's sexuality, whether straight, gay or bi-sexual does not define him as a hockey player. It does not mean he cannot play hockey, nor does it mean that he plays any less then he did prior to the questioning of his sexuality. He's still the same rookie that scored two goals in his debut game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 26, 2007, when everybody thought he was straight. Now that people are questioning whether he is gay or bi-sexual, they forget that he still made an impression in his NHL debut.

So for all you naysayers in the media and fans alike, leave the man alone. It's his private life. It has nothing to do with how he plays hockey.

He's got nothing to be ashamed of.