Humphries comes out
‘‘I have finally come to a point where I know I can reveal myself as a gay man and still play professional sport.’’
Isaac Humphries Melbourne United basketballer
Melbourne United basketballer Isaac Humphries says he has combated ‘‘extremely dark times’’ and is relieved to reveal he is the first openly gay man to ever play in the National Basketball League.
Humphries, a starting centre with United averaging 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, told team-mates yesterday of his decision to go public.
‘‘I have hidden something about myself my whole life, from everyone I love, and even myself sometimes. It is a truth about myself that I have wanted to deny for a long time, but now I feel comfortable in telling you all. That truth, is that I am gay,’’ Humphries said.
‘‘I have been through extremely dark times during this journey, but I have been through so much growth and I am now happy with who I am.
‘‘I figured out a lot about myself during this most recent off-season, and I have thought about this a lot. I knew if I were to join a team and start a season, I knew I would have to reveal who I am and not hide any more. I have finally come to a point where I know I can reveal myself as a gay man and still play professional sport.’’
Humphries, 24, is only the second male basketball player to come out as gay while playing in a major league. The first was NBA veteran Jason Collins, who did so in 2013.
He is the first professional Australian male basketball player to confirm that he is gay, and first player in the NBL to be openly gay.
United coach Dean Vickerman was full of admiration for Humphries.
‘‘We love Isaac here at the club. For him to feel comfortable to be his true self here is great, and we couldn’t be more proud of him,’’ Vickerman said.
‘‘We can’t underestimate how difficult this must have been for Isaac, but I’m really excited by the fact that he can be completely open and honest with his team-mates and now ultimately, the world. It’s huge.’’
Melbourne United’s chief executive Nick Truelson said: ‘‘Our whole organisation is just so proud of Isaac.
‘‘Today is an incredible step in Isaac’s journey, and we as a club are wholeheartedly supportive of him. Not only as a member of our club, but as a person. This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for male sport on a global scale.’’
NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said Humphries had always been ‘‘a role model and leader’’.
Male athletes who are openly LGBTQI are still rare in professional sport. Adelaide United soccer star Josh Cavallo last year made the brave call to announce that he was gay. He has since become one of the most recognisable names and faces in world football.