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We present our favorite photos of the past sports week.

This week’s offerings include celebrating a no-hitter, rugby practice, a shirtless soccer celebration, spring college football, baseball, NHL playoffs, Aussie Rules Football and track and field.

Click image for larger, full-sized view and on that image for the largest view:

Photo 1: Ben Jacobs of Port Adelaide celebrates kicking the first goal against Adelaide Crows during an AFL match in Adelaide. (Photo by Regi Varghese-Getty Images)

Photo 2: Ted Richards of the Swans in action during the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Sydney Swans in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair-Getty Images)

Photo 3: Members of the Princeton distance medley relay pose after winning the Championship of America race at the 118th Penn Relays. From left: Joe Stillin and Donn Cabral and Michael Williams and Tom Hopkins. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 4: Quentin Summers runs the third leg on the USA blue 4 x 400m relay that ran 3:03.13 in the USA vs the World race in the 118th Penn Relays. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 5: LaShawn Merritt runs the anchor leg on the USA red 4 x 400m relay that won in 3:00.19 in the USA vs the World race in the 118th Penn Relays. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 6: Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid celebrates a victory during the UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg match between Valencia and Atletico Madrid in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Photo 7: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs to first after he hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 8: New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5) celebrates his goal with teammates center Adam Henrique (14) and defenseman Peter Harrold (10) against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. (Photo by Ed Hartline-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 9: Marqise Lee of USC competes in the long jump in the dual meet against UCLA at Drake Stadium. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 10: Dominic Giovannoni of UCLA wins the 110m hurdles in 14.85 in the dual meet against USC at Drake Stadium. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 11: Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dylan Avery sits on the sidelines during the second half of the team’s spring game at Memorial Stadium. (Photo by John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 12: New York Mets centerfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis (9) celebrates with right fielder Scott Hairston (12) after hitting the game-winning run against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. (Photo by Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 13: Colorado Rockies pinch hitter Jason Giambi (23) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a walk-off home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. (Photo by Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 14: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver is embraced by catcher Chris Iannetta after throwing a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 15: Joshua Furno (lefft) jumps a line out to Marco Bertolami of Aironi during Aironi rugby training session in Viadana, Italy. (Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images for Aironi)

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That’s because HIV and AIDS aren’t gay issues, he adds, but a global crisis that belongs to all of us. “AIDS is a huge issue and one that can’t be ignored,” he says. “I was asked to help and I couldn’t say no.” And while he took some ribbing from his fellow teammates for dropping trou, he says, “Of course there was a bit of banter. On the whole, the team and friends were all very supportive.”

In fact, his teammates have been supportive all year as Harding’s profile in Europe and the U.S. has risen. Last year the men’s grooming-products firm Bluebeards Revenge did a search for the world’s manliest man. It was done after a composite of the ideal masculine man was created, which combined George Clooney’s hair, Gerard Butler’s eyes, Brad Pitt’s nose, Jason Statham’s mouth, and Daniel Craig’s body. Harding, who received 160,000 votes, was the hands-down winner.

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We present our favorite photos of the past sports week.

This week’s offerings include baseball and soccer celebrations, college football in the spring, the NBA, fencing, Olympic trials kayaking, swimming and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Click image for larger view (and on that image for an even larger view):

Photo 1: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring a goal during a match against Real Sporting de Gijon in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle-Getty Images)

Photo 2: John Hastings during his second K1 run at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 3: Jeff Spear in between bouts at the Division I National Fencing Championships in Virginia Beach (Photo by Peter Casey-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 4: Australian swimmer Mitch Larkin poses during an Olympics portrait session in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts-Getty Images)

Photo 5: Australian swimmer Mitch Larkin poses during an Olympics portrait session in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts-Getty Images)

Photo 6: Miami Marlins catcher Brett Hayes (9) makes a play against the Chicago Cubs (Photo by Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 7: Craig Beattie of the Hearts celebrates after scoring a penalty during The William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal soccer match between Celtic and Hearts in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell-Getty Images)

Photo 8: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) battles with Los Angeles Clippers forwards Caron Butler (5) and Blake Griffin (32) (Photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 9: Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker speaks to the media following the team’s offseason workout (Photo by Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 10: Stanford Cardinal quarterback Josh Nunes at the cardinal and white spring game at Kezar Stadium (Photo by Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 11: New York Mets third baseman David Wright during batting practice prior to playing the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE)

Photo 12: Atlanta Braves right fielder Jason Heyward celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. (Photo by Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE)

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I was overcome with emotion as my eyes watered up. I related so well to the words that were written about him. The years of INNER TURMOIL, the STRUGGLE to be who you are, and the final FREEDOM. “The truth has set me free”. I have heard Gareth say that and read those words in articles and videos that I have watched about him.

As a artist I tend to paint and draw people and places that inspire me. I am truly inspired by Alfie! My goal one day is just to meet him (It’s on my bucket list) to shake his hand and say “THANKS” You have no idea how you have helped me to be myself.

This blog shows the power one person’s coming out can have on another. I hope Langley gets a chance to meet Thomas one day and tell him in person.

Some of Langley’s Alfie-inspired artwork:

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Rugby's Alex Cheesman

Voting has started in the Sweet 16 of the King of the Hardwood contest, and it is dominated by NFL and rugby players. Still alive is 2011 champion Eric Decker of the Denver Broncos, one of six NFL players. One to keep an eye based based on his photo for aussieBum (full photo below) is 23-year-old English rugby player Alex Cheeseman, one of four from his sport.

Here are the matchups in the Sweet 16 (vote here):

Rob Gronkowski (NFL) vs. Alexandre Pato (soccer); John Carlson (NFL) vs. Jordy Nelson (NFL); Ryan Harrison (tennis) vs. Eric Decker (NFL); Drew Stanton (NFL) vs. Jake Locker (NFL); Alex Cheesman (rugby) vs. Ryan Kesler (hockey); Brett Lawrie (baseball) vs. Danny Care (rugby); Jake Dalton (gymnastics) vs. Danny Cipriani (rugby); Sidney Crosby (NHL) vs. David Pocok (rugby).

Yes, you will notice that all 16 jocks are white. Layne, aka Mariner Duck Guy from our discussion board, is very inclusive when assembly the full field of 64, so don’t blame him if these guys are not your taste, but those are the ones who got the most votes. Layne even detected some ballot-box stuffing that he investigated this year.

As promised, Alex Cheesman in aussieBum:

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“Standing in front of 400 children and their parents in a genie outfit is a lot more nerve-wracking than running out against the [New Zealand] All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium,” Thomas said.

“Ten years ago it is not something I would expect to do but it’s an opportunity to take a step outside my comfort zone.”

Thomas will be performing “Aladdin” in what is known as “panto,” described as “a peculiarly British tradition of winter musical comedy theater.” The show will be held in December.

Since coming out as gay two years ago while still playing, Thomas has seen his public profile soar. He was invited to last year’s royal wedding, finished third in the British “Celebrity Big Brother” and is having a movie made about his life. “The film’s going well,” he said.

Thomas said that Micky Rourke still hopes to play him in the film, despite doubts about the actor’s physical fitness. Thomas’ business partner Gareth Williams told Wales Online: “They [the film’s producers] have actually confirmed they want Tom Hardy involved, and maybe Jason Statham as well.”

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Any notion that Mickey is giving up on the role are way off the mark. We’d love Tom Hardy to be involved, but he will not be playing me.

I teamed up with Mickey because in my opinion there’s nobody better to take on such a challenging role and nothing has changed there. He’s so motivated by the role it’s blown me away.

Thomas also tweeted that people shouldn’t “believe the hype” when they hear stories of Rourke’s exit.

The Sun had previously reported Thomas as saying they are moving on. But that story seems to have been scrubbed from The Sun’s Web site. They had quoted Thomas as saying:

I was talking to Mickey and basically we’re now talking to other big-name actors who could play the part instead.

We had talked about using computer-generated special effects with Mickey but we don’t think that will be as realistic, so it’s time to find someone new.

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“I’m not in the habit of taking my clothes off but I’m making an exception for Sport Relief. I’ve played some really fierce rugby and have been involved in some really tough tackles, but nothing compares with the terror of bearing all in the buff!”

Some of the ruggers (you can see more here):

Sam Tomkins, left, and Sean O’Loughlin:

Ryan Atkins and Ben Harrison:

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Appropriate underwear for today. So just be warned people I’m armed if you come near! Looking forward to another rugby filled weekend. I predict wins for Wales, England, France.

Wales and England did in fact win; The French match against Ireland was postponed. Not that you were actually looking at his rugby predictions.

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Have you witnessed homophobia in sports?
I personally have not.

Do you think that after Gareth Thomas came out as gay and the antibullying campaign that Ben Cohen works on that professional sports will be more accepting of openly gay players?
I hope so. Someone’s sexual preference shouldn’t have any effect on whether some can be professional sportsmen. They should be appreciated for their talent.

What advice would you give to a teammate who is deciding whether to come out as gay?
I would say that the only people that matter will understand anyway. Life is too short to worry about what people think and let that dictate your life. Do what makes you happy.

And as he told the Gay Times, the photo shoot doesn’t hurt his standing with his girlfriend:

She loved it actually; she’s really looking forward to seeing the pictures. She’s very supportive.

Who wouldn’t? Besides, rugby players love to get naked: Something about the culture of that sport. No wonder gay rugby has taken off as it has.

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