Isaac Humphries, Melbourne United’s gay basketball player, has made public his homosexuality. He is now the only openly gay player of a top-tier men’s basketball league.
Humphries announced the news on Wednesday (AEDT). He posted the video to his social media channels. This showed the moment he shared it with his colleagues.
Humphries explained in the video, “We, professional athletes, and athletes, have a responsibility for setting examples for people.”
“The truth is that there are many people in other universes who are struggling every day and don’t know how they can get up. [and] I don’t know how exist. I understand how it feels and I want to be a representative for those people.
“That’s what I want to accomplish with this project: let people know that you can do whatever you want, regardless of who you are or what your background is. It’s possible to be big Ice while being gay. You can also be a great player of basketball and still be gay. You can do what you want. It doesn’t matter what your sexuality is, who you are, who you were meant to be or what your expectations of yourself. I want to be me. This was my purpose in my life, and I’m going all out to make it a success.
Humphries, the United’s starting centre in Australia’s NBL is averaging 12 point, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Humphries is coming off a 20 point performance against South East Melbourne Phoenix and is currently leading the league in blocked shots.
Humphries said that it was an extreme weightlift from my shoulders.
“I was nervous and scared to have this conversation. But, once I received everyone’s reaction, and everyone was very proud and congratulatory, it was no longer so scary. Concerning anything. It went so smoothly, I don’t worry about how the world will respond.
“Being a role-model is a major reason I do this. I’ve always wanted people to look up and see me as an example. I take my role in society very seriously, and I have always tried to help others. I am able to help many people and can be a role model for others.
The 24-year old is the second male basketball player to openly declare he is gay, and the first since Jason Collins (NBA player) in 2013.
Humphries stated, “I would have loved to have had more of me to show that it was OK for me to be gay in basketball.”
“If I had someone to look up to, or a role model, I don’t think I would have believed that taking my life is the only way out. I am learning that when you are unique and different, it is hard to believe it can happen. It’s difficult to imagine that you could exist in that space with no other people doing it.
“I’m aware that this happens in many different avenues around the world, and it is slowly improving.” It’s my chance to make sport better and leave my mark. I also want to be a role model for others in the same way that I wish I was.
The news received overwhelming support from the United organization, Humphries’ team and the NBL.
“For Isaac, to feel comfortable to openly discuss this and begin this new process for himself, while at our club — even though he’s only had his hands on it for a brief period of time — there is pride within the club in creating an environment where he feels secure, where he wants to express himself and will be supported along the way,” Chris Goulding (United’s captain) told ESPN.
He was embraced by the guys after his speech. There was a lot of applause. He spoke out about the fact that professional sports environments, particularly for men, don’t usually allow you to live in a way that is different from the majority of the people involved.
“There were times when Isaac was made uncomfortable by jokes and other things, but everyone now knows this is the right way to go. This is how to educate. This is how acceptance can be achieved. This is how people can set a new standard and be bigger than the game. We hope Isaac will do this.
“I’m pretty proud of the club in this regard. However, I would like to be proud in two-three week’s time of how we have embraced it. And in six months’ and a year’s. I’m more excited about the future feelings toward Isaac and possibly other gay basketballers than I am right now.
Nick Truelson (United’s CEO) said that the entire organization is proud of Isaac.
“Today is an amazing step in Isaac’s journey and we as club are proud of him. As a club member, but also as a person. It is an important moment for him, as well as for male sports on a global level.
“The purpose of Melbourne United is to use the power and beauty of basketball to enrich our community’s lives, with a strong focus in inclusion and diversity. We are delighted that Isaac identified our club as a safe place in which he can express himself fully.
Humphries talked about his mental state and the difficulties he had with hiding his sexuality in the video.
Humphries told the United players, coaches and executives, “A few years back, I fell into an extremely dark place, a very lonely spot.”
“I couldn’t be the person I was and tried to take over my life. The main reason I fell so low and ended up in such a bad place was that I was still struggling with my sexuality. I also had to come to terms with the fact I am gay.
“I hated it. I was ashamed of myself. I was convinced that I couldn’t be that kind of person in our basketball environment. It was only after I found a community full of joy, pride, happiness and joy that it became a wake-up call.
“But then there was the big question mark of how I can be a basketball player and how do you join a team after I have finally accepted this part about myself. I don’t want anyone to know who I am. I made the decision to make it public that I would join a team if I wanted to. It was important to let people know that you are able to live. You don’t have any excuses, just because your an athlete.
Born in NSW, the native of NSW, he played two seasons of college basketball for the University of Kentucky. He has also spent time in Europe, the NBA, NBL and NBA G-League over his professional career.
Soon after Humphries’ announcement, the NBA released a statement expressing support for Humphries’ decision. “We are proud to Isaac for sharing our story. We are certain of the true impact his honesty, courage and determination will have on many other people. Isaac has our unconditional support and respect.”
In male-dominated sports leagues, it is still uncommon for openly LGBTQIA+ athletes to play. Carl Nassib, the NFL’s first openly gay player, became the first to do so in 2021. Luke Prokop, the NHL’s first openly gay NHL player, also declared he was gay in 2021. Humphries is from Australia. joins footballer Josh Cavallo as the only openly homosexual male athlete in all of the country’s major sports leagues.
Dean Vickerman, United coach, said that Isaac is loved here at the club.
“It is amazing that he can feel at ease being his true self here. We couldn’t have been prouder.”
“We cannot underestimate the difficulty Isaac must have experienced, but I am really excited that he is able to be open and honest with his teammates, and ultimately the world. It’s huge.”
“Isaac made it clear to me, and the rest of my team, that this is a significant occasion for him off court but his focus remains on court. While we will continue to support Isaac in any way possible, we also intend to pursue another NBL championship together with this group.
Jeremy Loeliger, NBL commissioner, said that Humphries’ announcement showed the NBL remains a place where coaches, players and staff feel safe.
Loeliger stated, “As Leagues we celebrate peoples from all walks and embrace and foster diversity.
“Basketball brings people together and that is what we see today.”
“Isaac was a role model and a leader. We hold him in the most high regard.
“Isaac has done a great job today and throughout his career in dealing with what clearly was a major cause of distress and confusion for him personally.
Humphries will next be in action against the Adelaide 36ers (5-5) on Thursday evening.