Amen. The real heroes are the gay men and women who quietly and simply "come out" and live their lives with the expectation to be treated like everyone else -- and without the expectation they'll get book royalties for it. Yes, I'm glad Amaechi came out, but I'll be gladder still when just the mere fact of being gay doesn't warrant a book deal. From what I've read, he didn't get the deal based on his talent on the court.Bravery in this context is reserved for the first athlete to come out today and go to practice tomorrow. It's not coming out from across the pond - Amaechi lives in England - four years after retirement.
That's not a slam of Amaechi. Those are rough waters to recommend for anyone.
No doubt he feels he has something important to say in retrospect. But his words could have made a far greater impact as an active player who demanded to be treated like any other person in his workplace.
So, meanwhile, America waits for the first non-retired major league player of any sport to come out. Derek Jeter (bottom lower right), it's not too late.
For the background on this pic (all shirtless MLB shortstops) go here.
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