John Amaechi, the NBA’s first 'out' gay player, opens up about the hidden reality of life as a gay man in professional basketball
– 2 min read
British former NBA star John Amaechi OBE has spoken candidly about the hidden reality of life as a gay man in professional basketball, stating, “There are a lot of gay people in the NBA”. His comments, made during the promotion of his latest book It’s Not Magic: The Ordinary Skills of Exceptional Leaders, have reignited conversations around inclusion, visibility, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in elite sport.
Amaechi, who played for teams including the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers became the first former NBA player to publicly come out as gay in 2007, four years after retiring. In his new book, he reflects on the complexities of coming out, both privately and publicly, and the nuanced ways in which many within the league live authentically - albeit quietly.
“Coming out is contextual,” Amaechi explained. “While the world might have thought I came out in 2007, my family, friends, and teammates - not all of them - already knew. So I was already out.”
Amaechi’s revelations go beyond his personal journey. He describes a league where many gay individuals - from players to coaches, referees, and staff - exist, often without public acknowledgement. He recalls meeting a referee in a gay bar in Phoenix and shares that during his playing days, teammates were aware of his sexuality and some even asked him directly.
Despite his trailblazing role, Amaechi admits he feels he “failed miserably” in making it easier for others to come out publicly in sport. Yet, he acknowledges that his visibility has been a source of hope for many.
“We’re all a giant to somebody,” he said. “I may not be a gay icon, but there are people who connect with me more easily than with others.”
Amaechi also recounts the challenges he faced, including homophobia from fellow players and coaches. He names Karl Malone and Jerry Sloan as individuals who treated him differently due to his sexuality, and describes seeking refuge in gay clubs during his time in Salt Lake City.
His revelations come at a time when conversations around LGBTQ+ representation in sport remain pressing. While Jason Collins became the first active NBA player to come out in 2013, the number of openly gay athletes in men’s professional basketball remains strikingly low.
