Burns becomes first openly gay men’s coach

College basketball has its first openly gay coach.

USA Today goes a step further, calling Burns “the only openly gay assistant or head coach among the roughly 3,000 coaches in men’s and women’s Division I basketball.” .

Burns said that the Supreme Court’s June ruling striking down gay marriage bans in all 50 states was so powerful that it made coming out a “no-brainer”. It’s made me consider giving up coaching.

Prior to coaching at Bryant, Burns was an assistant at Rhode Island College under head coach Bob Walsh. “For a guy who’s relatively cynical and can be negative, the reactions of people in my sport and in my life have shut me right up and re-energized my hope in the human spirit”.

Following the recent stories of athletes like Michael Sam, Jason Collins and Derrick Gordon, who have all come out at different times during their athletic careers, Burns’ story is a triumph, with many of his teammates and colleagues rallying around him in support.

USA Today sports reports that Burns announced the news to his team several weeks back, telling them, “There are parts of this business that lead me to believe what I’m about to tell you is not acceptable here…”

“Slowly, piece by piece, I became detached from everyone”, Burns said.

The players were wide-eyed, Burns said, and he took a deep breath.

The Bryant University men’s basketball team kicks off their season on Saturday, November 14 when they visit the defending National Champion Duke Blue Devils in a game that will be televised on ESPN3. “The work of all the people who’ve come before me makes sharing my true self something that is a responsibility, not just a choice”. He noted that Chris Burns’ courage would undoubtedly serve as an eye-opener, and the teams would be much more supportive to their gay companions without judgement. I’m very proud of you.

Speaking from his heart, Chris Burns chose to discuss his decision to come out, revealing that the reality is a lot less daunting than the fear one creates in the mind. “It’s a truly special feeling, and I just can’t thank enough every single person who has helped guide and support me to this point”.