Wed. May 18, 2011
Will Sheridan, a former Villanova basketball player, announced on Monday in an interview on ESPN that he's gay.
Sheridan came forward a day after Phoenix Suns' CEO and President Rick Welts came out of the closet in an interview with the New York Times.
The 26-year-old Sheridan discussed his sexuality during an appearance on the network's Outside The Lines.
When asked why he decided to come out, Sheridan replied: "I'm kind of over it. Everyone close to me knows. Everyone who matters to me knows. I'm at a point where someone else can learn from my experience."
In an expanded story on the network's website, Sheridan's parents, Will Sr. and Josie Sheridan, sounded conflicted over the news.
"Devastated. I was devastated," Josie Sheridan said. "I mean, I was disappointed. Not in him, but in things that were taken away – not having a daughter-in-law, grandchildren, things like that."
But added that she was proud of her son: "I've always been so proud of him, but he has such courage. This takes courage."
Will Sr., a religious man, said he did not speak to his son for over a year.
"I don't use the word 'tolerate.' I 'appreciate.' I appreciate that this is who he is, and I believe this is who God wants him to be," Will Sr. told ESPN.
But then added: "I treat him like he ain't. I believe one day he's going to change. He says he's not, but I believe he will. A man has to have some kind of belief and hope."
Sheridan has concentrated on his musical career since leaving college. His 4-track album, Ngoma, which is Swahili for music, was released in October.
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