Coach Doc Rivers, whose Boston Celtics are riding a staggering 15-game losing streak, was probably glad to be asked about anything but that during his news conference last night.
But it had to come as a surprise that he was talking about John Amaechi (pictured) being the first NBA player to publicly come out of the closet and admit that he is gay.
The former Magic and Jazz forward, who averaged 6.2 points per game over five NBA seasons, is due out with a book, called “Man in the Middle,” in which he reveals he is homosexual.
John Amaechi played two seasons for Rivers, appearing in 162 of 164 possible games and starting 89 from 1999-2001 with Orlando.
“I was coach of the year [with Orlando in 2000]; John started for me at the power forward spot,” Rivers told the Boston Globe. “He was great for me. He was great for our team.”
Rivers said he did not know of Amaechi’s sexual orientation. Or care.
“So what? Can he rebound? Can he shoot? Can he defend?’John Amaechi was a great kid,” Rivers said. “He did as much charity work as anyone in our city. I wish that is what we focused on. Instead, we’re focusing on sexual orientation, which I could give a flying flip about.”
The Celtics coach was asked if he thought today’s NBA would be accepting of a homosexual. He said he did not think it would matter in the locker room, because no subject is taboo in the locker room.
He said he would encourage a player to come out.
“It was difficult for people to watch Jackie Robinson and they got used to it,” Rivers said. “And they started cheering for him. It would be difficult for the fans [of today] if the guy couldn’t play. Nothing else should be difficult… John’s a fantastic kid. He’s better than a good kid. He’s just a good guy who happens to have a different sexual orientation. And that shouldn’t be an issue. But it is. And I know why it is. When guys do come out, when that day does happen, [this will] make it easier. I hope so. I can’t wait until it’s not an issue. I really can’t.”
Elsewhere, the reaction to Amaechi coming out was primarily positive. The world’s most famous gay athlete, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, was quick to congratulate Amaechi with his decision:
“It’s hugely important for the kids so they don’t feel alone in the world. We’re role models. We’re adults, and we know we’re not alone but kids don’t know that,” she said. “He will definitely help a lot of kids growing up to feel better about themselves.”
Orlando’s Grant Hill, who said he didn’t know Amaechi when he was with the Magic, also applauded the decision to go public.
“The fact that John has done this, maybe it will give others the comfort or confidence to come out as well, whether they are playing or retiring,” Hill said.
NBA commissioner David Stern said a player’s sexuality wasn’t important.
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HeadBlade Inc., creators of a popular head-shaving razor, announced Monday it had signed Amaechi to a multiyear deal. Financial terms were undisclosed.
