Grant Hill: ‘It’s just a good start to be able to talk about it’
May 23, 2011, 3:46 PM | Updated: 4:54 pm
Ever since Phoenix Suns president and CEO Rick Welts announced he was gay last weekend, the team has been at the forefront of the issue. Furthering that idea was a PSA released the same day, featuring both Jared Dudley and Grant Hill.
Speaking on the issue, Hill told NPR that while he does not necessarily see this as a “tipping point,” this is not a bad thing.
“I certainly think there’s more discussion, there’s more conversation about this subject matter than at any other time and I think more and more people are comfortable with coming out and expressing themselves,” he said. “Do I anticipate athletes coming out of the closet now, left and right, I don’t know.
“But I think, certainly, it’s just a good start to be able to talk about it and have these discussions.”
No matter your feelings on the issue itself, seeing professional athletes tackle the issue head on is a step many would not have predicted, and if the NBA wants to help with social change this is a good start.
Granted, fans may want to see the Suns worry about winning games before changing the way people think, but their season is over so that’s not an option. And with a lockout looming, on-the-court progress is really not an option at this point anyway.
