Basketball: US college player Gordon reveals he is gay
PUBLISHED ONApril 10, 2014 6:41 AM
LOS ANGELES - University of Massachusetts player Derrick Gordon has come out as the first openly gay player in American collegiate basketball.
"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," division one men's player Gordon said Wednesday on ESPN sports television.
"I didn't want to have to lie or sneak. I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a division one player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?'" Gordon said he came out to his family, coaches and teammates earlier this month.
Gordon was inspired by Brooklyn Nets centre Jason Collins, who last year publicly acknowledged his sexuality.
On February 23, Collins became the first openly gay player in National Basketball Association history when he played against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The university says it has fully supported Gordon's decision.