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Melbourne United centre Isaac Humphries has revealed he tried to take his own life as part of an emotional speech to his teammates to let them know he was becoming the NBL’s first openly gay player.
In a brave, honest and inspirational chat filmed by his club and posted on social media on Wednesday morning, the 24-year-old is the second active sportsman in the Australian professional ranks to come out, following on from Adelaide United A-League player Josh Cavallo last year.
Humphries told his Melbourne teammates it was one of the hardest conversations he’s had but “life’s about doing hard things and learning from them and making a difference through those hard times”.
“A few years ago I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place and I couldn’t be who I am. And I attempted to take my life,” he said. “I was very much struggling with my sexuality and coming to terms with the fact that I’m gay.”
He said he hated it about himself and it “disgusted” him: “I thought that I could not be that person within our environment, within a basketball environment.
“It was a big wake-up call for me. I don’t want to hide who I am anymore. You can live and you don’t have to hide just because you are an athlete.”
Describing it as his purpose in life, the former Sydney and Adelaide big man said professional athletes had a responsibility to be role models for tolerance, “to make sure people know you can be whoever you want”.
“It is a truth about myself that I have wanted to deny for a long time, but now I feel comfortable in telling you all. That truth, is that I am gay,” Humphries said.
“I have been through extremely dark times during this journey, but I have been through so much growth and I am now happy with who I am.
Isaac Humphries. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
“I figured out a lot about myself during this most recent off-season, and I have thought about this a lot.
“I knew if I were to join a team and start a season, I knew I would have to reveal who I am and not hide any more.”
Former NBA journeyman Jason Collins, who became the first male pro basketballer to come out during his playing career in 2013, was one of the many people who took to social media to sing Humphries’ praises.
“Thank you for sharing your truth with the world and please know that your story will help inspire someone else to step forward as well. Congratulations and best of luck this season.”
The NBA also issued a statement to support Humphries to say “we are proud and grateful to Isaac for sharing his story. We know the real impact his honesty and courage will have on many others. Isaac has our unwavering respect and support.”
Humphries, who played for Kentucky University in the US college ranks, received a brief taste of NBA action when he was called up to play five games for the Atlanta Hawks in 2018-19.
ESPN’s chief NBA newsbreaker, Adrian Wojnarowski, tweeted Humphries’ video to his 5.7 million followers with the caption “tremendous courage and purpose”.
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger applauded Humphries for his courage.
“Isaac has always been a role model and leader. He is someone we’ve always held in the highest regard,” Loeliger said. “Isaac has conducted himself admirably today and over the course of his career, in dealing with what has clearly been a significant cause of distress and consternation for him personally.”
Humphries was warmly embraced by his teammates after addressing them and coach Dean Vickerman said they admired him for his decision to trust them with what had been a secret.
“We love Isaac here at the club. For him to feel comfortable to be his true self here is great, and we couldn’t be more proud of him,” Vickerman said.
“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. It’s huge.
“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.”
He has represented the Boomers on several occasions but had to pull out of the Olympic Games campaign last year due to a knee injury. He’s a strong chance to be part of the team that tries to again win a medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Humphries, who is averaging 12 points and 5.5 rebounds a game this season, will suit up for Melbourne against Adelaide at John Cain Arena on Thursday night when the NBL resumes after a short hiatus last week for the FIBA international window.
Help is available for anyone seeking support for their mental health – Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential support from a trained Lifeline crisis supporter.