Ex-NBA basketball player announces he's gay

@Idlewild (6090)
United States
February 10, 2007 11:19am CST
John Amaechi, who retired from the NBA almost four years ago, has become the first player in league history to say publicly that he is gay. According to ESPN, "Amaechi, who played at Penn State and spent five seasons in the NBA with Orlando, Utah and Cleveland, comes out in an upcoming book entitled "Man in the Middle" to be released later this month." If you're a basketball fan, would it bother you if your favorite player announced he was gay?
2 people like this
4 responses
emisle
@emisle (3822)
• Ireland
10 Feb 07
Well basketball isn't huge over here, but if my favourite football player etc announced he was gay I wouldn't care as long as they still performed on the pitch or wherever..:)
1 person likes this
Idlewild
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I read that this player is actually English, so he probably can perform on the pitch as well as the court! Maybe someday there will be a big NBA star from Ireland, and your country will be overcome with hoops fever!
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lloydanthony111
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I just don't see why he felt it was so important to tell the world about it in a book. What is the purpose? Will it make other athletes come out of the closet? I just don't understand the motive. Just my opinion. Lloyd
1 person likes this
Idlewild
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I don't know, I guess he's telling his story and hiding his sexuality is a big part of it. I can't see many other gay athletes coming out; it seems like teammates would not be so accepting.
1 person likes this
abs_gwapi2
@abs_gwapi2 (107)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
Really? Damn, I would definitely freak out if one of my favorite players announces he's gay. But after I freak out, that would not be such a big deal then. I don't care if he's gay or pervert as long as when he's in the playing court, he performs.
1 person likes this
Idlewild
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
28 Mar 07
Amaechi was a decent player, and he never got into fights with players or fans, got into a brawl in a nightclub, or smashed TV equipment, like some current players have.
cassidy22
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
12 Feb 07
It wouldn't bother me at all. What bothers me is that people have to hide who they really are because of stereoypes and intolerance of other ignorant people. He was a good basketball player, right? SO what does it matter? There have been other men like him in pro sports, and they lived their lives in hiding - now THAT is what bothers me!
1 person likes this
Makoy1983
@Makoy1983 (1084)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
for sure many athletes would follow amaechi's footsteps to get out of the closet
1 person likes this
Idlewild
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
28 Mar 07
Based on some of the reactions to Amaechi's announcement, I think most gay players would stay in the closet. The announcement's gotten a lot of positive response, but the negative reactions have been quite strong.