UMass Guard Derrick Gordon Comes Out As Gay

Derrick Gordon, a sophomore starter on the UMass men's basketball team, has announced that he is gay.

In an interview with ESPN, Gordon explained his reasoning for coming out:

I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way. 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 I player would come out, and finally I just said, "Why not me?"

This makes Gordon the first openly gay player in Division I men's college basketball. Gordon was a starting guard in all 33 of the Minutemen's games this season, averaging just under 10 points per game.

This morning, he posted the above photo to his Instagram account, along with the following caption:

This is the happiest I have ever been in my 22 Years of living...No more HIDING!!!...Just want to live life happy and play the sport that I love...Really would love to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for supporting me....I would also like to thank my support team Wade Davis, Jason Collins, Brian Sims, Micah Porter, Anthony Nicodemo, Patrick Burke,Billy Bean, Gerald McCullough, Kirk Walker...You guys are AWESOME!!! Ready to get back in the gym with my teammates and get on the GRIND and get ready for next season!!!! #BETRUE #BEYOURSELF #HONEYBADGER

[ ESPN]