Former Kentucky player Isaac Humphries reveals he's gay in meeting with Australian teammates

Former Kentucky basketball player Isaac Humphires has revealed he’s gay in a meeting with his teammates in Australia’s National Basketball League, per TMZ Sports.

“Former Univ. of Kentucky hoops star Isaac Humphries — who now plays in Australia’s NBL — revealed he’s gay in a super emotional talk with his teammates on Tuesday,” wrote TMZ Sports. “Humphries sat down with his Melbourne United squad inside a team meeting room to make the announcement, and he fought back tears as he explained the truth about his sexuality.

“The 6-foot-11, 255-pound center said hiding his real identity had taken a massive toll on him, and it nearly led to death by suicide a couple years ago.”

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Continuing, TMZ Sports reported that Humphires elaborated on his feelings, stating he “fell into a very dark place.”

“I fell into a very dark place, a very lonely place,” Humphires said, per TMZ Sports. “I couldn’t be who I am and I attempted to take my life.

“… I thought that I could not be that person in our environment, within a basketball environment.”

While the situation Humphries has dealt with has been more than challenging, the former Kentucky forward added that joining Melbourne United earlier this year helped give him the confidence he needed, in part because of their welcoming culture.

Now, Humphries wants to be a role model to others that are in his shoes, hoping his story inspires them.

“We as professional athletes have a responsibility to set examples for people,” Humphries said, per TMZ Sports. “The truth is there are so many other people in other worlds that are struggling every single day and don’t know how to get up. Don’t know how to exist. And I know how that feels.

“I want to represent those people. That’s my goal behind this.”

Immense support has become prominent for Humphries following the revelation, including a statement from the National Basketball Association, which read, “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 Humphries story is one of bravery that’ll hopefully inspire many to be themselves, regardless of the situation. The former Kentucky forward has made a difference coming forward, and will be a shining light to those in similar situations moving into the future.