Former Kentucky basketball player Isaac Humphries become first openly gay top-tier men’s basketball player

Melbourne United basketball player Isaac Humphries is now the first ever openly gay player in a top-tier men’s basketball league. He publicly shared he is gay in a video published Wednesday morning Australian time.

The former Kentucky player dabbled in the NBA but has spent the last few years playing in Australia, his native country. He signed with Melbourne United in July after two seasons with the Adelaide 36ers. Now that he is with a new team, Humphries thought it was a good time to get a fresh start. 

“Look, this is probably going to be one of the hardest conversation’s I’ve probably ever had in my life, but life is about doing hard things and learning from them, and making a difference through those hard times,” Humphries said as his whole team sat in front of him. 

“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place. I couldn’t be who I am and I attempted to take my life. And the main reason behind me becoming so low and being in that point is because I was very much struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that I’m gay.”

Melbourne United’s Chief Executive Officer Nick Truelson said the whole organization was proud of Humphires’ courage.

“Today is an incredible step in Isaac’s journey, and we as a club are wholeheartedly supportive of him,” Truelson said in a statement. “Not only as a member of our club, but as a person. This is a momentous occasion for him personally, but also for male sport on a global scale.”

Humphries said he was initially “disgusted” with himself because he didn’t feel he could be “that person” within the basketball environment. Now, he has decided he doesn’t want to hide anymore. He said that as an athlete he needs to set an example to others, which means showing people that it’s ok to be yourself. 

“The truth is, there are so many people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don’t know how to get up, don’t know how to exist,” he said. “I know how that feels and I want to represent those people. That’s my goal behind this, make sure people know that you can be whatever you want, no matter who you are or what you do.”