The only openly gay player in a top-tier men's basketball league is the big-man from MELBOURNE UNION.
The moment he revealed the news to his teammates was shown in a video on his social media channels.
"As athletes, as professional athletes, we have a responsibility to set examples for people," he said.
There are a lot of people in other worlds who don't know how to get up or how to exist. I would like to represent those people.
I want people to know you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are or what you do." You can be gay and still be a good basketball player. You can do what you please. It has nothing to do with who you are or who you are expected to be. I would like to be myself. I discovered my purpose in life and am going to give it my best shot.
The starting centre for United in Australia's NBL is Humphries, who is averaging 12 points, 5.5 rebound, and 1.9 blocks a game. He leads the league in blocked shots and is coming off a 20-point performance.
The weight was removed from my shoulders.
I was very nervous and scared to have that conversation, but once I got everyone's reaction and everyone was very proud, I was no longer worried. It's about anything. I don't worry about the world responding anymore because it went so well.
Being a role model is one of the reasons why I am doing this. I want to be someone that people look up to and see as a good example. I always wanted to help people, and my platform is very serious. I can help a lot of people and be someone they can look to as an example of someone who can be gay in sports.
Only one male basketball player has come out as gay while playing in a top-tier league, the other being NBA veteran Jason Collins.
"I would have liked to have had more versions of me to show that it was okay to be gay in basketball," he stated.
I would not have taken my life if I had a role model like that. It is hard to think that it can happen when you are different and unique. It's difficult to believe you can exist in that space when there's no one else doing it.
It's getting better and happening in a lot of different ways. It's my chance to make sport better and leave my mark in that way, and make sure others have role models in that way.
The news was supported by the NBL and the United organization.
There's pride within the club that we've created an environment where he feels safe, and that's the reason why he came forward with this.
Guys embraced him after he finished his speech. Professional sporting environments, especially men's teams, aren't usually an environment that's super inviting of living a different way to what the majority of people do.
"Now that everyone knows and everyone's embracing him, we know this is the way forward." This is the way you teach. This is how you get accepted. This is how people become bigger than the game, which we hope will be the case with the young man.
I'm pretty proud of the club in that respect. I want to be proud of how we've embraced it, and in six months' time, and a year's time, I'm more excited about how we will feel toward other gay basketball players.
Nick Truelson is the CEO of United.
Today is an incredible step in his journey, and we as a club are behind him. As a person as well as a member. This is a momentous occasion for him as well as for male sport on a global scale.
Our goal at Melbourne United is to use the power of basketball to enrich the lives of our community and this includes a strong focus on inclusion and diversity. Our club is a safe place in which he can be himself.
He talked about the mental health battles that came from hiding his sexuality.
"A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place," he said to the room.
I tried to kill myself because I couldn't be who I am. I became so low because I was struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with being gay.
I didn't like it about myself. I wasn't happy with myself. I didn't think I could be that person in our environment. It wasn't until I was in a place full of pride and happiness and joy that I realized that I was not living up to my potential.
"Then came the big question mark of how do I be a basketball player, and how do I join a new team when I've come to terms with this about myself and I don't want to hide who I am anymore." If I join a team, I'm going to come out publicly and let people know that I'm okay. You don't have to hide because you are an athlete.
He spent time in the NBA, NBL, NBA G-League, and Europe over the course of his career after graduating from the University of Kentucky.
After the announcement, the NBA released a statement saying they were proud and grateful. His honesty and courage will have a big impact on other people. Issac has our support and admiration.
In male-dominated sports leagues, openly gay athletes are rare. In the year 2021, Carl Nassib became the first openly gay player in the National Football League, and the same year, the first NHL player to come out as gay. Josh Cavallo is the only openly gay male athlete in Australia.
"We love him here at the club," Dean said.
We couldn't be more proud of him because he feels comfortable here.
"We can't underestimate how hard this must have been for him, but I'm really excited that he can be completely open and honest with his teammates." It's really big.
While this is a massive occasion for him off the court, his focus remains on the court. We will support and pursue another NBL title with this group.
The NBL continues to be a place where players, coaches and staff feel safe and supported, according to the commissioner.
The League embraces and fosters diversity and inclusion.
Basketball brings people together, and it is no different today than it was a long time ago.
He has always been a leader. We have held him in the highest regard.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted himself well in dealing with what has clearly been a significant cause of distress and concern for him.
The United will play their next game on Thursday against the 36ers.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
