Phoenix Suns President Rick Welts has a Message: He's Gay

[joeybee12]

Phoenix Suns president and CEO Rick Welts, in an effort to breach what he sees as the tiptoed-around topic of homosexuality in men's team sports, recently met with friends, associates and a newspaper reporter to reveal he is gay.

Welts, believed to be the first man in a prominent position in men's sports who has declared his homosexuality, says he wants to now mentor other gay people who seek to pursue a career in sports, according to The New York Times.


Rick Welts talked to several friends and associates, including David Stern, before going public. "This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits," Welts told the newspaper. "Nobody's comfortable in engaging in a conversation."

According to the report, Welts talked separately to NBA commissioner David Stern, Suns guard Steve Nash, Hall of Famer Bill Russell and founding WNBA president Val Ackerman to discuss the message he wished to convey in making his sexual orientation public.



http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6553603

Read the article for a great quote from Steve Nash!

[JonLP24]

1. Nice story

I really like how this team isn't afraid to make political statements that are to the left in this right/libertarian strong state. Stark contrast from the conservative ownership of the Cardinals whose political statement was to fight medical cannabis.

[joeybee12]

2. Gotta love the Suns...first their "Los Suns" Jerseys, now this...nt

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. I'm not surprised he talked to David Stern.