CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Chicago sports organization hopes an NFL player's recent announcement will pave the way for future athletes.
Posting a video on social media Monday, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib made NFL history. He became the first NFL player to come out as gay.
“I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay, I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get if off of my chest,” Nassib said.
The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association, which is the largest LGBTQ+ sports organization in the Midwest, praised Nassib for coming out during Pride Month.
"We are moving into be who you are, love who you are, and embrace who you are," said Michael Richardson, Vice President of the CMSA.
He said it’s a huge step toward a more inclusive culture.
“It normalizes things,” Richardson said. “When you see yourself, you are able to better embrace yourself and visibility is key to acceptance in our society.”
Nassib received an outpouring of support from the NFL, including a statement from Commissioner Roger Goodell, who said he was “proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today. Representation matters.”
Richardson described the announcement to WBBM Newsradio as brave, but he hopes the public will create the same accepting atmosphere for future players.
“The issue is not within the NFL, I think it's within society; and when this is normalized in society, we will be in a better place...At what point in our society does this just become, 'I'm introducing my partner, this is who I am, I'm living my life? Live let live,'” Richardson said. “These kinds of steps will help us get there.”
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The CMSA, originally named the Gay Athletic Association, was founded in 1978 and offers recreational and competitive level play in athletic leagues.
The leagues are open to all persons who wish to play, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.
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