UMass stands behind Derrick Gordon via social media
By Joe Nardone
Feb 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen guard Derrick Gordon (2) dribbles the ball as George Washington Colonials guard Maurice Creek (1) defends in the first half at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Massachusetts Minutemen are not hiding behind any walls after Derrick Gordon outted himself just a short time ago. Via the means streets of Twitter, UMass expressed their support of Gordon’s courageous decision to become the first publicly gay active Division I college basketball player.
UMass is proud of the courage and the example shown by Derrick Gordon today as well as his teammates and the basketball program #UMassProud!
— UMass Athletics (@UMassAthletics) April 9, 2014
While most of the initial response about Gordon has been trending in the positive direction, not all are handling the news well.
We won’t give bigots any form of validation by posting their tweets here, but I think you could imagine some of the reaction by people who are as open-minded as our 1890s ancestors.
This story is still developing and more opinions, “insights” and magical hot sports takes will be formed. But please, kids, keep it classy.
It is also worth noting that Gordon is a player of consequence. He started in all 33 games for UMass last season, averaging just under 10 ppg.