Former NBA Player to Come Out of the Closet on Feb. 14

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In a story that I imagine will probably garner some serious pick-up in the mainstream media in the coming weeks, a former NBA player who has been out of the league 'for about three years' and was 'not a star player' will reportedly be coming out of the closet in a new book and tell the world he is gay, according to various outlets. The release date of the book is Valentine's Day.

A blogger does some sleuthing and comes up with this:

So, I went trundling around the internets tubes in the hopes of finding out some additional info. I found a post on Woxy.com an LA radio station's message board that the player's name and book is to come out (pun intended? no.) in a book titled Man in the Middle February 20.

I continued to scroll down on the message board and found this:

Not that it matters, but a quick google (sic) search on the subject reveals John Amaechi.

The Fanhouse is not in the practice of outing anyone (at least as far as I know), so you will find no speculating here. (Plus, the last time I wrote anything remotely this controversial, there was massive outrage from a few crazies.) But since openly gay professional athletes are more rare than a three-pointer from Shaq, this story will probably explode in the coming weeks, and I thought it should be brought to your attention.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

2-05-2007 @ 11:31PM

Fishy said...

I always knew something was up with John Amaechi with the way he'd sit in his locker room with a robe sipping english tea. He was TOO "proper" for the NBA and now we ALL know why.

2-05-2007 @ 11:38PM

some guy said...

He scored the first two points of the new millennium. I have nothing else to add.

2-06-2007 @ 3:26AM

Tony Dungy said...

Hey, John Amaechi... YOU SUCK, PAL!

2-06-2007 @ 7:39AM

no kidding said...

This is 100% true. It is widely known in Utah that he was part of the gay community, but just would had not come out with it. He has been known to have parties with his gay friends, and the pictures from these parties have been seen by many people.

2-06-2007 @ 9:13AM

Dan Jay said...

who cares ,unless he is threatening to steal YOUR boyfriend!

2-06-2007 @ 10:33AM

The Benevolent Despot said...

The best part about being John Amaechi or his life-partner is that both guys can watch the basketball game during sex.

2-06-2007 @ 12:46PM

Ben Haddix said...

He never was a good dribler, he was always palming the balls

2-06-2007 @ 12:49PM

Pat said...

I had the opportunity to meet John in the 90's when he was at Penn State. He was a wonderful guy and very caring when I introduced him to a fellow I cared for who was a big fan. John and him became quite close and were able to talk about a number of things. When Garth passed away a few years later, John was in England, but still contacted Garth's parents to express his condolences. My point is BIG DEAL-he's gay. There are so many other aspects of this man that are more important than what he does in the privacy of his own life. Grow up people! Gay men are not all prissy and flaming! They are just part of the population's fabric.

2-06-2007 @ 3:55PM

NDReece said...

I went to high school and played basketball with John when he first came to America. This does not really surprise me at all. Very good guy though. I know that he is very active in giving to charitable causes. No pun intended.

2-06-2007 @ 9:31PM

sarah said...

Are you sure it isn't Isiah Thomas who's coming out of the closet? He probably will some day.

2-06-2007 @ 11:53PM

Joe said...

Guys, ease up. So what if he's gay, seriously.

2-07-2007 @ 12:13AM

CENTERPOINT ENERY said...

IN PRO SPORTS THERE IS A LOT OF BI-SEXUAL MEN/GAY.

2-07-2007 @ 3:00AM

Browneye said...

So he likes to take it to the hole with authority. So what?!?

2-07-2007 @ 3:26AM

Larry C said...

Who cares if the man is gay, did that affect your enjoyment of the basketball game while he was playing?

That is his personal life and I could care less. People need to worry about their own business.

2-07-2007 @ 5:30AM

Dr BumSniffer said...

homos homos round and round poopies fall from yur bum and into the yur grandmas diaper..yum yum in the bum

2-07-2007 @ 7:05AM

E,thomas said...

Who Cares? It is his-or anyone elses-business what they choose to do with and in their life. Not a matter of public record-or what anyone thinks of them. Leave him alone-I am SURE no matter who it is-They have had there own demons to deal with.

2-07-2007 @ 7:34AM

Rob said...

My first comment is who gives a rats ass who is gay or who is straight! The mans personal life is his own business. Good for him if he can come out and be honest about himself. I think some people should wake up and take a look around, gay is everywhere and like it or not MOST people don't really care anymore!