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Melbourne United big-man Isaac Humphries has shared publicly that he is gay, becoming the only openly gay player in a top-tier men’s basketball league.
Humphries made the announcement on Wednesday (AEDT) via a video shared across his social media channels, which showed the moment he revealed the news to his teammates.
“We, as athletes, as professional athletes, have a responsibility to set examples for people,” Humphries said in the video.
“The truth is there are so many people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don’t know how to get up, (and) don’t know how to exist. I know how that feels, and I want to represent those people.
“That’s my goal behind this: make sure people know you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are or what you do. You can be big Ice and be gay, and you can still be a great basketball player and be gay. You can do whatever you want. It has nothing to do with your sexuality, or who you are, or who you’re meant to be, or who you’re expected to be. I just want to be myself. I discovered this is my purpose in life, and I’m gonna give it my best go.”
Humphries is the starting centre for United in Australia’s NBL, and is averaging 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He’s coming off a 20-point performance against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, and currently leads the league in blocked shots.
“It was an extreme weight lifted from my shoulders,” Humphries told ESPN.
“I was very nervous and very scared to have that conversation but, once I got everyone’s reaction and everyone was very congratulatory and proud, I didn’t feel so worried anymore. About anything. Because it went so well, I’m not worried about the world responding anymore.
“Being a role model is a big reason why I’m doing this. I’ve always wanted to be somebody that people look up to, and seen as a good example. I take my platform in society very seriously and I always wanted to…
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