Kerry Rhodes Gay? PHOTOS: NFL Star Tweets about LA Lakers Game 'Date' with Longtime Friend, 'DWTS' Beauty Karina Smirnoff, Girlfriend Rumors Swirl

Rumors are currently swirling on the web that NFL star Kerry Rhodes is in a gay relationship with his former assistant, Russell "Hollywood" Jackson. Althought the 30-year-old free agent heatedly denies such rumors, MediaTakeOut continues publishing such exclusive reports, calling Rhodes out on his "private" romantic endeavors. But now, that same gossip webloid claims that Rhodes was recently spotted out on a "date" with longtime friend and "Dancing with the Stars" beauty, Karina Smirnoff. The duo hit up an LA Lakers game on Sunday (April 14), and apparently the pair looked "more than just good friends." From gay to girlfriend in a matter of days, let the NFL drama continue!

UPDATE: UPDATE: Kerry Rhodes Gay Rumors Debunked, Engaged to 'Mystery Woman?' After Ex-Lover 'Hollywood' Drama, NFL Star 'Set to Wed' Longtime Girlfriend in June [PHOTOS]

Kerry Rhodes Gay Rumors [PHOTOS]: NFL 'Lover' Russell 'Hollywood' Jackson LIED about Intimate Relationship? Marcus Vick Homophobic, Arizona Cardinals Tweet 

ALLEGED GAY LOVER SPEAKS! 'I WAS LIKE HIS WIFE'

As Mstars originally reported:

MedaTakeOut.com published an exclusive collection of snapshots last week, where NFL superstar Kerry Rhodes is pictured snuggling up with a male friend while on vacation. Rumors quickly started circulating on the web that Rhodes was in a romantic relationship with the mystery man (and such rumors only gained momentum after former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and gay rights activist Brendon Ayanbadejo announced that he believed "at least four more NFL players were preparing to come out as gay"). After the photos went viral, Rhodes quickly released a statement insisting that he's not gay. He claims he was on vacation with several business associates, and the man in the pictures was his close friend and former assistant who goes by the name "Hollywood." However, MediaTakeOut managed to get hold of yet another collection of private pics, this time featuring Rhodes and the openly-gay Hollywood getting even more up-close-and-personal... 

Here's just one of the alleged vacation photos, check out MediaTakeOut for more.

Following Ayanbadejo's announcement, the search phrase "Is Kerry Rhodes Gay?" began trending on the web. Over the past years, several fans have wondering about Rhodes' sexuality... so such rumors just added fuel to the fire.

After the photos went viral and "Kerry Rhodes gay" became a hot search term on the web, the popular 30-year-old NFL free agent released this statement to TMZ, denying the rumors that he's a homosexual:

"Photos have been circulating of my former assistant and I that have caused some rumors regarding my sexuality, and I wanted to address the situation... I am not gay. The shots were taken during a past vacation in a casual environment with my entire business team... I know a lot of people are recently talking about athletes struggling to come out to their fans right now, and I support them, as well as wish those individuals comfort."

But soon after, MediaTakeOut released another report, stating:

Well far be it for US to question how NFL superstar Kerry Rhodes' CHARACTERIZES his own sexuality. But the relationship between him and his "assistant" - an openly gay man that goes by the name "Hollywood" - seems to be a little more than just professional.

There's more personal pics from Rhodes' private getaway here. 

But MediaTakeOut's reporting took a complete 180 on Wednesday (April 17), after Rhodes tweeted this:

@Kerry25Rhodes: "Had a great time at the @Lakers game last night with my long time friend @Karina_Smirnoff."

As MediaTakeOut puts it:

NFL Baller Kerry Rhodes Is Spotted Out... With His 'GOOD FRIEND'... And This Time It's A WOMAN!!! (Looks Like They're On A DATE Too)... NFL baller Kerry Rhodes was spotted out the other day with Karina Smirnoff, from 'Dancing With The Stars.' How do we know they were out together... well cause Kerry tweeted it out so that the world could know.

Just because Rhodes was spotted at an NBA game chilling with Smirnoff DOES NOT mean they're dating. Although just a few days later Rhodes was on the set of "DWTS" to support the stunning professional ballroom dancer:

@Kerry25Rhodes: "At the DWTS taping right now cheering on @Karina_Smirnoff and @TheRealJacoby12."

FYI, after breaking off her engagement to MLB pitcher Brad Penny back in December 2011, Smirnoff hasn't been romantically connected to anyone else.

So what do Mstars readers think - should Rhodes going out on a "date" with Smirnoff put an end to all the gay rumors?