If fact, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says he would be "honored" if the first gay active NBA player was on his team according to TMZ on Thursday.
Cuban's support of a gay athlete came in the wake of Magic Johnson's support of his son who came out publicly as gay. Both Cuban and Johnson say they would both support a gay athlete on their team if they decided to come out. With rumors swirling that players are reading to come out in the NFL, other professional sports teams are opening up about the issue.
Cuban echoed Magic's assessment about an owners responsibility to support their players and educate the public.
"I've been saying the same thing for years. There will be somebody who comes out. It'll be a great moment for sports. I would be honored if he was on my team...All professional sports have had their homophobic missteps along the way, it's a new era, a new generation and the player would be accepted."
The Mavericks owner, who is not shy about stating his opinion and never gives up a chance to be in the spotlight, applauded Magic for stepping up and showing his leadership. Cuban also believes this "shouldn't be a big deal" but until players actually come out and break down a few barriers it will be a big deal and hopefully pave a easier path for future generations of athletes who are gay.
Former NBA player John Amaechi was actually the first NBA player to come out as gay, but he did so after he was retired. Amaechi said it was important for him to come out to break down stereotypes.
"I am simply doing what a good person of conscience would do, which is making people aware that gay people don't just look like Jack from 'Will and Grace', and they don't want to jump your bones very occasion and that some are camp and some are butch and that we're different and we're useful and we are here."
Whoever comes out, NBA, NFL, NHL or Major League Baseball, would play a great roll in kicking down those stereotypes and will have the support of owners like Magic Johnson and Marc Cuban which is always a good thing.
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