Jallen Messersmith comes out as first gay player in men's college basketball
Credit: Associated Press
Following in the footsteps of Washington Wizards center Jason Collins, Jallen Messersmith, a Junior forward for the Benedictine College men's basketball team in Atchison, Kan., revealed to the Associated Press that he is gay. This makes Messersmith the first U.S. men's college basketball player to come out while still active in the sport.
Messersmith later stated, in a more in-depth interview with Outsports.com, that he wanted to come out in order to help other gay athletes feel comfortable about their identity.
"When I started coming out, I didn't have anyone to look to for advice or to see how their story went," Messersmith said. "People can look to see what happened to me -- and there are positive things going on."
Messersmith recounted that he came out to his coach last summer, and told his teammates just before the season started. None of them were bothered by it, said Messersmith. In fact, they were completely supportive of him.
"He's a very outgoing player, and if you need an example of a hustler, it's him," said Benedictine guard Brett Fisher. "He's doing the dirty work for the team. He's getting the blocks on defense, he's getting every rebound. We like him on the team."
In addition to the support of his coach and his teammates, Messersmith said his family is also extremely supportive of his decision to come out.
Benedictine College released a statement regarding Messersmith:
"We support Jallen as a Benedictine College student and as a member of the Raven basketball team," the statement read. "Obviously, it would be inappropriate for us to discuss the private lives of students. As an institution we treat all students with respect and sensitivity."
For his part, Messersmith hopes he can serve as a role model for other young gay people.
"You've just got to be comfortable with yourself," said Messersmith. "I wasn't very comfortable with myself for a long time and then when I was, if you put off the confidence and you are 100% comfortable when you tell someone, they will support you. They can't, as much as they can try, drag you down. It's all about you. It's what you think. If you are comfortable with yourself, you can do anything."
Via: LA Times