"I think it's very difficult to generalize as to why in a particular league or a particular industry somebody has or has not come out," Bettman said in a phone interview Tuesday. "We certainly don't want a player to come out for our sake. It should be what's right for him and something that he has to be comfortable with. But I think it's our job to create a culture and an environment where a gay player knows he is safe and welcome. If and when that happens, believe me, that person will have the full support of the commissioner's office."