The impacts of professional and to-be professional athletes declaring their sexuality to a national audience have already begun. Derrick Gordon, a sophomore guard from the University of Massachusetts (a six-seed in this year's NCAA Tournament), told ESPN and Outsports he was gay. He credits Nets center and the first male athlete to come out while playing professionally, Jason Collins, for giving him the inspiration to tell a national audience.

"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon told 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?'"

Gordon is now the first division I athlete to come out during his career. Earlier this year, Missouri's senior defensive end Michael Sam announced he was gay. He's expected to be drafted in the middle rounds of next year's NFL draft.

The 6-foot-3 guard from Plainfield, N.J. only told teammates last week. Coaches and teammates could sense his relief.

"From speaking with Derrick, I realized the pressure he had, the weight that was on his shoulders," head coach Derek Kellogg said. "You can already see in his demeanor that he is so much happier. I actually think this is something that brings our team closer together and helps Derrick play more freely."

After leading Western Kentucky in scoring (11.8 ppg) and to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2011-12, Gordon transferred closer to home for the 2013-14 season. His scoring average fell by a few points, but he shot much better from the field (48 percent) while playing for a more highly regarded and successful program at UMass.

"UMass is proud to have Derrick Gordon as a member of our athletic family and to honor his courage and openness as a gay student-athlete," athletic director John McCutcheon said in a written statement. "UMass is committed to creating a welcoming climate where every student-athlete, coach and staff member can be true to themselves as they pursue their athletic, academic and professional goals."

College basketball fans are notoriously ruthless. No doubt, Gordon will face a few hecklers next season.