According to multiple reports, UMass guard Derrick Gordon will come out as the first openly gay athlete in Div 1 mens basketball.
Derrick Gordon (@flash2gordon) of UMass steps forward as first openly gay male athlete in DI men’s basketball. Link to story coming …
— Kate Fagan (@katefagan3) April 9, 2014
Gordon averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds a game this season.
Kellogg spoke first. “We’re all here together, and we need to love each other for who we are,” he said. “One of your family members, your brother, wants to let you know something about himself.”
There was a pause. And then Kellogg, sensing that Gordon needed help, tried breaking the ice. “I wanted to let you all know I’m gay,” the coach said. His players all looked at him, stunned. What?
Gordon took his cue and spoke up.
“No, he’s not. But I am.”
Gordon told his team April 2, a few days after telling his parents and Kellogg. He stated that he closely watched how Jason Collins and Michael Sam handled their coming out. Gordon says that he seriously considered coming out after the Minutemen’s first round exit from the NCAA tournament.