Since last week, report NFL free agent Kerry Rhodes has been at the center of a romance scandal as numerous reports and photos have continued to surface, showing Rhodes in intimate moments with his former assistant, Russell “Hollywood” Simpson. Although Rhodes has denied being gay or being in a relationship with Simpson, the alleged “boyfriend” is now claiming that he was in a long-term relationship with Rhodes.
In a candid new interview with Bossip, Simpson reveals that he met Rhodes at a Cardinals training camp and the NFL player later invited Simpson to join him in Arizona to manage his team of assistants, and just two months later, he and Rhodes struck up a romantic relationship.
“I was like his wife. I ran the household and took care of all his personal needs. If anyone needed anything from Kerry they came to me! That’s what Kerry loved about me. I didn’t take no sh*t from nobody,” said Simpson, before letting off an offensive remark about Rhodes. “Kerry is kinda a dumb athlete, like a dumb jock. So, I took care of things that he didn’t understand. And yes, his teammates did know about me. It was kinda unspoken but I was at all his training camps and events. The other wives knew and loved me too. I was always there. It was no secret!”
Simpson explains that he and Rhodes were together for a year and two months, and that Rhodes even gave him a promise ring. Simpson also admits that Rhodes showered him in lavish gifts and even flaunted him around his Cardinals teammates.
However, Simpson claims that when the controversy first erupted last week, Rhodes asked him to remain mum about it. When Rhodes denied their relationship, Simpson took offense and chose to open up about their past love.
“He’s lying because he’s trying to protect his free agency. He’s not going to be one of those guys who come out in the league because he cares too much about that. But why is he lying?? LOOK AT THE PICS!! He loved me and now he’s lying. That’s why I put him out there. I’m not here for fame. He wanted me to have a reality show because he said I was destined for it. His teammates said I had a great personality and encouraged me to be on TV. This was our life! This was real!
“I have NOTHING to hide! I’m grown as hell and have nothing lie about. Kerry Rhodes is gay. That’s the truth,” said Simpson.
With so much evidence piled up, it certainly seems like Rhodes and Simpson were indeed a couple. Unfortunately, whatever their relationship once was, has now become a lightning rod for drama, stereotypical judgment and exploitation that could give Simpson, who was clearly hungry for it, his 15 minutes of fame. Due to the NFL’s persistent climate of (internalized) homophobia, the drama may end Rhodes’ career.
Watch the video for Simpson’s reality show here and check out more photos of Rhodes and Simpson below. – nicholas robinson
