Australian basketballer Isaac Humphries has opened up to his Melbourne United team mates in one of sport’s most moving moments in recent memory.
“A few years ago, I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place,” the NBL star said to his teammates.
“I attempted to take my life.
“The main reason behind me becoming so low and being in that point is because I was very much struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that I’m gay.”
— Isaac Humphries (@IsaacHumphries7) November 15, 2022
Humphries becomes the only openly gay men’s player in a top-tier basketball league. He joins Adelaide’s A-League player Josh Cavallo as the only other openly gay male in professional sports in Australia.
“I want to demonstrate that you can be a professional athlete, you can be anything you want, and still be gay.”
Humphries, who started his professional career with the Sydney Kings back in 2017, was in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks a few seasons ago, after two seasons at Kentucky in the NCAA. He also had stints in the NBA Summer League and for the Adelaide 36ers back in Australia more recently too.
As the 24-year-old just outlined to his team mates, he has been to some ‘dark places’ in recent years, which has no doubt has immense impact on his career to this point as a basketballer.
“It was an extreme weight lifted from my shoulders,” Humphries told ESPN.
This moment will no doubt inspire and empower a great deal of people not just in Australia, but globally.
It’s another landmark moment for sport in Australia, as well as the entire LGBTQI+ community.
I’m very proud of my friend. https://t.co/ttFtXMTdnq
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) November 15, 2022
“We couldn’t be more proud of him,” United coach Dean Vickerman added.
“We can’t underestimate how difficult this must have been for Isaac, but I’m really excited by the fact that he can be completely open and honest with his teammates and now ultimately, the world.
“Isaac has also made it clear to me and the rest of the team that while this is a massive occasion for him off the court, his focus remains on the court.
“We will continue to support Isaac however we can, while also pursuing another NBL championship with this group.”
No doubt there will now be more eyeballs on the NBL’s return game, following the FIBA window, when Melbourne United host Humphries’ former club the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena Thursday night.