In the tough, testosterone-filled world of men’s professional sports, there are not many, if any, openly gay employees at any level. Certainly no players, and apparently, no executives. That changed yesterday when the President and CEO of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, Rick Welts, came out in a story in the New York Times.
Being involved in professional sports requires working long and awkward hours with a small group of people. The result is a close-knit community of co-workers who are often also your closest friends. It is heartbreaking to know that Welts had to suffer through the loss of two partners of 14 years in silence, one to death and one to the strain of having to live his life in the shadows for fear of putting his career at risk.
Welts’ announcement that he is gay is a brave move and unfortunately one that will likely still be met with mixed reactions. Wouldn’t it be great to have petulant child Kobe Bryant do a PSA on how using the word “faggot” makes it more difficult for men like Welts to live his life openly. Never mind, that will just give him more airtime.
Congratulations to Welts and those who lifted him up over the years and helped give him the courage to come out.
Image from Fox Sports