UMASS’ Derrick Gordon Comes out as First Openly Gay Division I Basketball Player

Jason Collins.  Michael Sam.

And now, Derrick Gordon.

Gordon became the first Division I Men's Basketball player to come out as openly gay yesterday, joining Collins of the NBA and Sam, a college player who just completed his eligibility at Missouri.

The name may sound somewhat familiar two Cajun basketball fans.  Gordon played his freshman year at Western Kentucky before deciding to transfer closer to his New Jersey home.

Chad Bishop, who covers WKU for the Bowling Green Daily News, linked two articles via his twiitter account (@MrChadBishop) about Gordon that were written during his freshman season on the Hill.  One talked about Gordon looking forward to the NCAA tournament and the other was about his decision to transfer.  Gordon led the Hilltoppers in scoring and rebounding his freshman season.  He was part of the signing class that included George Fant and T. J. Price.

Kate Fagan, who writes for espnW, interviewed Gordon after his decision.  You can see that interview here.