It was more than the start of a new season for Derrick Gordon.
Last night, 14 November, the University of Massachusetts shooting
guard participated in his team's opening game, making him the first out gay
player to compete in a Division 1 men's basketball.
This past April, Gordon
came out in an ESPN interview.
'I went into it like a regular game,' Gordon said after the
game. 'I've been here before, but it was good to see the support I had.'
The Plainfield, New Jersey resident helped the Minutemen to victory
against Siena College, with 17 points and nine rebounds.
According to ESPN, the crowd was supportive of the player. His name
was chanted when he first went to the free-throw line. A group of students held
up his jersey number - No. 2. Under that was the Nike phrase #BETRUE" in
rainbow-colored letters.
Sitting behind the University of Massachusetts' bench was Gordon's
parents and twin brother. Darryl Gordon was recently released from prison after
serving five years for attempted murder.
'I held back the tears,' Gordon said to ESPN. 'I haven't seen my
brother since he's been out. It was good to see my family sitting in that
section -- it's something I've been dreaming about.'
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