Basketball star Derrick Gordon plays first game since coming out
College basketball player Derrick Gordon has played in his first official game since coming out as gay.
22-year-old Gordon, who plays for the University of Massachusetts, had not played an official game since he made history in April as the first Division 1 player to come out as gay.
However, he finally returned to the court for the team’s game against Siena on Friday – helping his team to victory against the Catholic college by scoring 17 points.
Crowds cheered loudly for the player throughout the game, while some waved pride banners bearing supporting messages for the sport star.
He said: “I went into it like a regular game. I’ve been here before, but it was good to see the support I had.”
The player added of UMass: “I definitely did my research. I know it’s gay-friendly on campus.
“I’d see gay flags from time to time, or gay couples holding hands. So I know it was a great place for me to come out.”
UMass stormed to a 95-87 victory over Siena.
In another tier of the sport, NBA star Jason Collins came out as gay in May 2013, and has since played for the Brooklyn Nets.
However Collins is considering retirement, saying: “I used to be able to jump and touch the top of the white square behind the rim with ease.
“As the years go by, you watch your hand go lower and lower on that square. Father Time is undefeated against us all.”
