In what could be a watershed moment in sports, NBA executive Rick Welts has come out of the closet, according to the Sporting News.
Welts, who has been involved in sports for 40 years and is president of the Phoenix Suns, told the New York Times, "This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits. Nobody's comfortable in engaging in a conversation."
NBA Commissioner David Stern told the Times he hopes the revelation won't be too ground-shaking: "What I didn't say at the time was: I think there's a good chance the world will find this unremarkable."
According to USA Today, Welts lost a partner to AIDS in 1994. He also had a 14-year relationship end two years agoin part because he wouldn't go public with his sexuality.
Welts also opened up recently to Suns player Steve Nash, who thought everyone already knew. "I just think it's a shame, for all the obvious reasons, that this is a leap that he has to take," Nash said to The Times. "He's doing anyone who's not ready for this a favor."
In addition, former Villanova University basketball player Will Sheridan has come out, according to ESPN. Sheridan, 26, is currently a performer and entrepreneur.