For the first time in its 77 years, an openly gay athlete will compete in the NCAA college basketball tournament beginning this week.
Seton Hall senior guard Derrick Gordon came out in April 2014 while attending and playing for UMass, and his performance against No. 2-ranked Villanova in the Big East tournament championship on Saturday cliched the Seton Hall Pirates’ qualification in March Madness.
And while we’re calling out this historic first as another broken barrier to put in the rearview mirror of progress, don’t expect to hear much from Gordon on the subject.
He’s understandably focused on the game and showcasing his talents for the NBA.
How about we take this to the next level?
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Related: Derrick Gordon Becomes First Openly Gay Div. I College Basketball Player
“For us, the fact that he’s gay is an old story,” Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard said last summer, via USA Today . “These kids know about Derrick, they’re on social media and are very informed. This generation of athletes are much more educated on the gay athlete. I think the attention is brought on by adults. We make it a bigger deal. Some of these kids can teach us a lesson on how to handle this type of stuff.”
While we agree with most of Hall’s take, the only way the story changes is by talking about it. Because while “some of these kids” may be more evolved on the matter, others are miles from the goal — or whatever sports metaphor you want to substitute in.
Just recently we’ve heard disturbing accounts of violent antigay hazing at a high school and homophobia at the NFL combine that pushed a professional sports writer to come out and blast the lingering antigay culture in football.
This is the second NCAA tournament Derrick has played in — he just wasn’t out the first time.
To gay and straight youth alike who have a passion for sports, that’s still a big deal.
Tony Chaplinski
he may be the only openly gay but I guarantee he is not the only gay
Mack
I would love to see Sexton Hall go all the way, but something tells me they won’t make it pass the first round and some how he’ll be blamed.
Xzamilio
@Tony Chaplinski: Nooooooo… really?
Brian
You’re not gay unless you choose to identify as gay. Many men have homosexual desires and are entitled to not identify as gay.
joeyty
Derrick Gordon….excellent. No matter what happens next, he’s already made a huge positive difference.
AtticusBennett
Gordon is so dreamy i get dizzy thinking about him. SWOON.
bottom250
he is so hot
Kangol
@Mack: He’s not a starter so he won’t be blamed. He’s a really good player (and cutie), though, and incredibly brave, so he deserves a honor far beyond the NCAA Championship. A hero!
(Is he still dating that actor from the bear films?)
SashaVonAndris
In a society that questions a persons sexuality, even though it’s none of noone’s business, being able to own your sexuality, and orientation, says to people, “I live my life, live yours”. What’s the problem with someone stating they are gay? Is the word beneath you? Would you be more comfortable with MSM? Either way, it’s gay! Noone wants to be labeled by people who don’t know them, and noone wants their identity to be demeaned.
Dakotahgeo
Absolute best to Derrick!! As for being blamed for anything, that says more about the offender than it does about any player! You go, Derrick Gordon!
CCTR
Congrats Derrick for making NCAA history!