UMass Derrick Gordon Gay: D1 basketball player comes out as first openly gay college baller with help from Coach Derek Kellogg [VIDEO]

UMass sophomore guard Derrick Gordon is the first openly gay player in Division I men's basketball after announcing his "coming out" in interviews with ESPN and Outsports on Wednesday.

"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon said in an interview with ESPN. "I didn't want to have to lie or sneak. I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a Division I player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?' "

The athlete admitted that with the help of basketball coach, Derek Kellogg, he told his teammates. The UMass coach gathered the team up for a serious meeting telling them: "We're all here together, and we need to love each other for who we are," he said. "One of your family members, your brother, wants to let you know something about himself."

The athlete revealed that it was hard, but his teammates immediately accepted the news and helped him get through the toughest part with ease.

"It was a rough process, actually, leading up to this," Gordon said. "Those guys just helped me get to where I am right now. If it wasn't for them, I'd be stuck. For this to be happening right now, me coming out, it's an indescribable feeling, honestly. I couldn't be any happier. I feel like I can fly."

Wednesday, Gordon posted on his Instagram page:

"This is the happiest I have ever been in my 22 Years of living...No more HIDING!!!...Just want to live life happy and play the sport that I love...Really would love to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for supporting me....I would also like to thank my support team Wade Davis, Jason Collins, Brian Sims, Micah Porter, Anthony Nicodemo, Patrick Burke,Billy Bean, Gerald McCullough, Kirk Walker...You guys are AWESOME!!! Ready to get back in the gym with my teammates and get on the GRIND and get ready for next season!!!! #BETRUE #BEYOURSELF #HONEYBADGER"