From Deseret News archives:
Amaechi's coming out; So what?
What am I supposed to do about that, forget he was a disappointing player who didn't work terribly hard? Nominate his book for a Pulitzer in literature?
Maybe I should do nothing. Treat it as though Wednesday's breaking story really wasn't such a big deal. Consider it a mildly interesting news item on an average-at-best NBA player.
Of course I can't totally ignore the story, since he played two uneventful seasons in Utah. A player's sexual preference is apparently part of the media's job, though as far as I can tell it doesn't have much to do with how he shoots a 10-foot jumper (which, by the way, is horribly). Being gay isn't going to hurt or help that.
The issue of sexual preference in sports has been publicized for years, going back to Billie Jean King. One by one, major sports have had players come out and declare themselves gay: baseball's Billy Bean, football's Esera Tuaolo, golf's Patty Sheehan, tennis' Martina Navratilova, etc. But until now, no NBA player has come forward.
It's certainly possible Sloan said some things, considering his tough guy, manly man approach. At the same time, Amaechi is prone to exaggeration. On his Web site (www.meech.org), he labels himself "The U.K.'s first and only NBA superstar."
Superstar?
In 2003, Amaechi claimed Jazz coaches were anti-intellectual and hated him because he was smart and well-rounded. In that case, why did they sign Jacque Vaughn, Adam Keefe and Walter Palmer?
Amaechi's original claim was that Sloan accused him of hating Americans (he grew up in England) and white people and thinking he was smarter than anyone else. Amaechi later said the offending party wasn't Sloan but player development coach Mark McKown.
McKown said he merely told Amaechi he "gives the impression" he believes those things.
In any case, I had no idea when Amaechi was in Utah that he was gay, nor did I have any reason to care. All I knew was that he was out of shape when he came to training camp and that he was an interesting and engaging interview (he even made the NBA All-Interview first team). My favorite Amaechi quote centered around nacho chips, which he considered the most mystifying food in American culture.
Comments
- George lost in rivalry hatefest 1:33 a.m.
- Paul returns after being out 1:04 a.m.
- Nets finally win 1:04 a.m.
- Olympus downs Box Elder 1:03 a.m.
- Saint Mary's next for Aggies 1:03 a.m.
- Cougars look to bounce back 1:03 a.m.
- Battle goes to PG's Hamson 1:03 a.m.
- Snow hopes to snap bowl game skid 1:03 a.m.
- U.S. gets favorable World Cup draw 1:03 a.m.
- Utah's Wynn healing up 1:03 a.m.
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
410 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
294 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
237 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
189 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
184 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
118 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
118 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
104
Harvey Unga's future seems to be a hot talking point among fans so let's...
and they are correct. Good grief.
In the wake of a great, competitive game all people can talk about is Max...
For those who keep saying there are other places where you can go "to...
Boozer is just doing and showing what he has always had, Talent! As long as...
Condolences to the LeBaron family! He was the mission Pres in South Africa...
I've enjoyed reading Dick Harmon's articles through the years. An enduring...
I think we have found our stride. But we need to bring in one more player to...
to make a move until nearer the deadline. You can't get the best player until...
"If this team had an interior Defense for 48 minutes they would contend. "...
What have you done for me lately, Boozer? Well, lately Boozer has been...

You can be the first to comment on this story.