Phoenix Suns Steve Nash :: Gay OK in the NBA

The Phoenix Suns star point guard Steve Nash recently came out for gay marriage in New York State (he lives in Manhattan). Yesterday in a short Q&A in the New York Times, he addressed other gay issues, specifically if the NBA is ready for an openly gay player.

What prompted the questions (seen below) was the announcement earlier this month by Rick Welts, the CEO of the Suns, that he is gay and has been living in the closet his entire career with the NBA.

Q. Rick Welts, the Suns' chief executive, recently announced that he was gay. How do you think he'll be received by the players?

A. I don't think the players on our team care. Not a lot of guys on the team have a lot of contact with Rick, including myself. Obviously, I have a ton of respect for him and what he does for the organization. I think he's great at what he does.

Q. Would the situation be different, maybe tougher, if a general manager or basketball-side executive came out?

A. In some ways, it would have been a different story because it would have been more high profile. A general manager can't hide, really. Obviously, there would have been a whole other segment of questioning. There would be a lot of, 'Really?' And then a short period later, everyone's like, 'Who cares?' and moves on.

Q. Is the N.B.A. ready for an openly gay player?

A. If a player in the locker room came out, it would come and go quickly, too. I really don't think it's a big issue anymore. I think it would be surprisingly accepted, and a shorter shelf life than maybe we would imagine. I think the time has come when it should happen soon. I think it will be something that won't take on a life of its own. It won't be the O. J. trial.

Nash's comments were similar to ones recently made by Charles Barkley, who suggested professional athletes may be more accepting of an openly homosexual teammate that many would think.

"It bothers me when I hear these reporters and jocks get on TV and say, 'Oh, no guy can come out in a team sport. These guys would go crazy,'" Barkley said. "First of all, quit telling me what I think. I'd rather have a gay guy who can play than a straight guy who can't play."