D1 Basketball Player Comes Out

The University of Massachusetts didn’t make it out of the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament, but starter Derrick Gordon is making his own landmark move. On Wednesday, the sophomore shooting guard came out to ESPN as the first openly gay player in Division I men’s basketball. “I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon told ESPN. "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?'" He only came out to his coaches, teammates, and family members this month, but Gordon says it has made a huge difference in his life. "Before, I usually just kept to myself because I didn't want to lie or be fake," Gordon said. "I feel so good right now. It's like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders."