Hello all. First time posting.
A former NBA star will *allegedly* be coming out soon. On February 20, 2007, Hyperion Books will release a book titled, “Man in the Middle: My Life In and Out of Bounds.” The author is currently listed as “Anonymous.”
Here’s a brief summary:
An inspiring memoir by a former NBA star who is gay.
"Man in the Middle" chronicles one man’s extraordinary journey from an awkward, overweight child to a jet-setting NBA star. Along the way, he encountered endless obstacles to achieving his hoop dreams—his father’s abandonment, being cut from his first college team, a life-threatening injury, abusive coaches, the death of his mother—all the while protecting a vital secret that could end his career. He was gay.
AUTHOR BIO: Author to be revealed February 20, 2007
Thoughts?
Full Version: John Amaechi
interesting-wonder if the name will be known to a casual NBA fan like myself
Bill Cartwright is the only ex-center that comes to mind as a possibility, but I know zippo about his personal history.
QUOTE(WChip @ Jan 27 2007, 08:12 AM) 
Bill Cartwright is the only ex-center that comes to mind as a possibility, but I know zippo about his personal history.
I doubt it's Bill Cartwright. He's still an assistant with the Nets. I'd bet that it's someone not currently associated with the NBA.
Could it be Elgin Baylor? HIs middle name is Gay. 
QUOTE(Maddog @ Jan 27 2007, 12:29 PM)
Dennis Rodman would be the easy guess but he's not gay.I'm just not sure what he is.
QUOTE(MammaB @ Jan 27 2007, 01:41 AM)
Thoughts?
Umm, yeah. Is Hyperion Books paying for this advertisement, or just doing some free "viral marketing"? And what's with the "allegedly"? Oh right, that came down from Legal...But that assumes this post is legit, which I wouldn't count on. Too many rumors and hoaxes have passed this way before.
QUOTE(fenwayguy @ Jan 27 2007, 02:54 PM)
Umm, yeah. Is Hyperion Books paying for this advertisement, or just doing some free "viral marketing"? And what's with the "allegedly"? Oh right, that came down from Legal...
But that assumes this post is legit, which I wouldn't count on. Too many rumors and hoaxes have passed this way before.
LOL! I don't blame you for being cynical! I'm an attorney, hence the *allegedly*. I'm a big blind item fan, but I've learned that most of them never pan out. I actually stumbled across this forum while I was searching for who this could be. I don't know if it's legit or not. But here's a link to booksamillion.com. From what I can tell, it seems to be a real book. But again, I'm in no position to confirm that. I thought I'd post it here and see if there was any interest.
No, I don't work for Hyperion, nor do I claim to have any inside knowledge or unique perspective because of my own sports broadcast on Sirius or anything like that...
ETA: I just noticed on the Booksamillion website that they have ESPN Books listed as the publisher...
Good answer.
Randy Boyd already put together his Top Ten speculatees list (which I think was written in '04):
Randy Boyd already put together his Top Ten speculatees list (which I think was written in '04):
QUOTE
AC Green. Dude's like going on 50 and been a virgin for life. Is this even biologically possible? Would you even want to try it and find out?
Ray Allen. The fact that he has a big attitude when it comes to my Indiana Pacers has nothing to do with him being on the list.
Kevin Johnson. One Ballin' fan claims KJ is fascinated by poetry and acts a little sweet during the Turner studio show. Come on, guys, not all gay men like poetry. (then again, do any straight men like poetry?).
Charles Oakley. A rumor here. A whisper there. Don't underestimate the power of a flamboyant outfit or three and some very colorful hairdos.
Michael Cage. One gay hoop fan claims the tall and very dark big man with jheri curls used to hang out in West Hollywood in search of West Hollywoodites. Hmmm.
John Amaechi. Could be that the Nigerian-Brit just operates on a different planet? But then again, that explanation for his atypical behavior wouldn't be any fun now would it?
Christian Laettner. Holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of guys who's had to address rumors about his sexual orientation in a Sports Illustrated story. Is this the real (and subtle) reason he gets under Joe Fan's skin?
Dominique Wilkins. If you were Oliver Stone doing "Any Given Night: The NBA Story,'' and you wanted to cast a smooth-operating, handsome black athlete as The Gay Pro Baller, the Human Highlight would be make final callbacks.
Tim Duncan. Not exactly the visual poster child we want representing us, but hey, we wouldn't kick him out of the club, would we?
Shaq. One fan claims Big Daddy is often surrounded by "admirers.'' All we have to say is, I hope they have insurance.
Ray Allen. The fact that he has a big attitude when it comes to my Indiana Pacers has nothing to do with him being on the list.
Kevin Johnson. One Ballin' fan claims KJ is fascinated by poetry and acts a little sweet during the Turner studio show. Come on, guys, not all gay men like poetry. (then again, do any straight men like poetry?).
Charles Oakley. A rumor here. A whisper there. Don't underestimate the power of a flamboyant outfit or three and some very colorful hairdos.
Michael Cage. One gay hoop fan claims the tall and very dark big man with jheri curls used to hang out in West Hollywood in search of West Hollywoodites. Hmmm.
John Amaechi. Could be that the Nigerian-Brit just operates on a different planet? But then again, that explanation for his atypical behavior wouldn't be any fun now would it?
Christian Laettner. Holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of guys who's had to address rumors about his sexual orientation in a Sports Illustrated story. Is this the real (and subtle) reason he gets under Joe Fan's skin?
Dominique Wilkins. If you were Oliver Stone doing "Any Given Night: The NBA Story,'' and you wanted to cast a smooth-operating, handsome black athlete as The Gay Pro Baller, the Human Highlight would be make final callbacks.
Tim Duncan. Not exactly the visual poster child we want representing us, but hey, we wouldn't kick him out of the club, would we?
Shaq. One fan claims Big Daddy is often surrounded by "admirers.'' All we have to say is, I hope they have insurance.
Here's the link to "New and Forthcoming Books" from Hyperion's website. It's not listed at all. There are a couple of ESPN-titled books listed -- ESPN Ultimate NASCAR and ESPN GameDay Gourmetl.
Here's the Amazon.com listing.
There's a website for ESPN Books but they have nothing about it.
Are there other cases like this, where someone writes a book and it's listed as written by "Anonymous" until the day it's released?
Here's the Amazon.com listing.
There's a website for ESPN Books but they have nothing about it.
Are there other cases like this, where someone writes a book and it's listed as written by "Anonymous" until the day it's released?
QUOTE(Joe in Philly @ Jan 27 2007, 05:16 PM)
Are there other cases like this, where someone writes a book and it's listed as written by "Anonymous" until the day it's released?
Yes. Here's the most recent example I can think of: In August, William Morrow (a HarperCollins imprint) sought orders for a book without giving its title, author, or subject. Morrow championed the book as “a shattering, provocative and mesmerizing true story” which “will receive major national media attention” in both the U.S. and abroad. It was billed as the great "publishing event" of the fall — so momentous that booksellers ordered copies without knowing what they would receive. It turned out to be a tell-all by Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell. [Source]
(I remember reading about this and I thought it was going to be something much more explosive than a second book by Princess Di's butler.)
I personally would never pre-order a book without knowing the title, author, and/or subject. But the blind item junkie in me still wants to take a stab at guessing who this is!
I'm hoping it's Christian Laettner....damn, he's fine! 
If I had to wager, it's someone who's fairly obscure. I mean, the description does give a lot of information so if it were someone really noteworthy, it wouldn't be difficult to figure out. From the description, though, I have no idea who it might be.
The description does say that he was a "star". Of course it might be that he was a "star" in only his mind.
"Man in the Middle" would also imply that he was a center but that could have some sort of double meaning.
The description does say that he was a "star". Of course it might be that he was a "star" in only his mind.
"Man in the Middle" would also imply that he was a center but that could have some sort of double meaning.
Kevin Johnson. One Ballin’ fan claims KJ is fascinated by poetry and acts a little sweet during the Turner studio show. Come on, guys, not all gay men like poetry. (then again, do any straight men like poetry?).
To answer that rhetorical question: JJ Redick. He is known to have written quite a lot of poetry and, to my knowledge and by his own testimony, is not gay.
I'm sure there are others but can't think of them off hand.
Of course there have been questions about his sexuality largely because of the poetry writing- justified or not.
To answer that rhetorical question: JJ Redick. He is known to have written quite a lot of poetry and, to my knowledge and by his own testimony, is not gay.
I'm sure there are others but can't think of them off hand.
Of course there have been questions about his sexuality largely because of the poetry writing- justified or not.
As I see it, among recent players, the most likely candidate to be the author of this memoir is John Amaechi. He was a center (hence the title “Man in the Middle”) and his personality is such that he is the type that would come out and write such a book. He was semi-out within league circles and this was the cause of friction for him, especially in Utah.
QUOTE(DownLowNY @ Jan 28 2007, 07:06 PM)
As I see it, among recent players, the most likely candidate to be the author of this memoir is John Amaechi. He was a center (hence the title “Man in the Middle”) and his personality is such that he is the type that would come out and write such a book. He was semi-out within league circles and this was the cause of friction for him, especially in Utah.
I'm guessing John Amaechi too. He played for two college teams (Vanderbilt and Penn State), he played center, his is parents split when he was very young and he was raised solely by his mother, his mother has passed away, he has made comments that indicate he was overweight as a teen, he's suffered a life-threatening injury...
Maybe I'm missing something, but I see NO mention in the publisher's descriptions that this person was a center in anything I've seen so far. Where are y'all finding this?
QUOTE(SoFlaSpartan @ Jan 29 2007, 01:05 AM)
Maybe I'm missing something, but I see NO mention in the publisher's descriptions that this person was a center in anything I've seen so far. Where are y'all finding this?
I agree. When I first saw the title of the book, I didnt think at all of him havving played center. To me, it sounded perhaps like at one time the player was conflicted between his feelings for a man and perhaps a wife, or another female.
QUOTE(MammaB @ Jan 29 2007, 12:44 AM)
I'm guessing John Amaechi too. He played for two college teams (Vanderbilt and Penn State), he played center, his is parents split when he was very young and he was raised solely by his mother, his mother has passed away, he has made comments that indicate he was overweight as a teen, he's suffered a life-threatening injury...
You are correct, Amaechi is the only "recent" ex-player who fits the bill and matches all the elements in the description. Although he is not a "star" in US terms, he is a star back home in Britain. There must be several former and maybe even current players, especially in Orlando, who are getting a little antsy at the thought of being identified (even if only indirectly) in his book...
Since I'm not a big basketball fan (got cut the first day of try-outs in 7th and 8th grades and have held a grudge ever since) I've never heard of John. But he's attractive, well spoken and seems to have a big heart. I would welcome him into our family faster than Shaq can miss a free-throw.
If this is John Amaechi, good for him if he's coming out, but a star? Not remotely. Then again, neither was Billy Bean. And I don't think Esera Tuaolo fit that description either during his playing career.
I didn't know John is British.Either way he seems very likable and if he is the subject,I hope this all goes as smoothly as possible.
QUOTE(MammaB @ Jan 28 2007, 07:44 PM)
I'm guessing John Amaechi too. He played for two college teams (Vanderbilt and Penn State), he played center, his is parents split when he was very young and he was raised solely by his mother, his mother has passed away, he has made comments that indicate he was overweight as a teen, he's suffered a life-threatening injury...
I see you guys beat me to this one... I'd say everything fits him as well. If so, it's going to rattle some cages at PSU. For that reason alone, I hope it's true.
Plus, it would confirm what I said in an old thread on here. LOL But seriously, I think John is a fascinating man, and if it is him, I'm sure it will be a great read.
A former coworker of mine knew Amaechi in college, and had good things to say about him. I always thought he was gay, but then I also have always thought both KJ and AC Green were gay as well. But let's see if this pans out. Amaechi would fit the "middle" description on multiple levels.
Deadspin has picked this up and is speculating that it's Amaechi as well.
We have a story confirming everything. We had known about this for months but had been honoring an embargo that is now passe.
I find this fascinating...
He wanted a reporter to out him, yet couldn't find a way to come out on his own? I think this is sad.
QUOTE
"By the end of my second Utah season, I was practically daring reporters to take the bait and out me," he wrote. "But it never happened. My sexuality, I felt, had become an open secret, which was fine by me. I'd left enough open to interpretation that suspicions were gaining momentum."
He wanted a reporter to out him, yet couldn't find a way to come out on his own? I think this is sad.
QUOTE(MammaB @ Jan 28 2007, 06:44 PM)
I'm guessing John Amaechi too. He played for two college teams (Vanderbilt and Penn State), he played center, his is parents split when he was very young and he was raised solely by his mother, his mother has passed away, he has made comments that indicate he was overweight as a teen, he's suffered a life-threatening injury...
What does his mother passing away, being overweight as a teen, and a life-threatening injury have anything to do with him being gay? Or did I miss somethin
BTW, good on him for coming out...I'm interested to hear the reaction from the Utah Jazz organization
QUOTE(Enigma @ Feb 6 2007, 08:08 PM)
What does his mother passing away, being overweight as a teen, and a life-threatening injury have anything to do with him being gay? Or did I miss somethin
I believe those were just hints to clue you in as to his identity.
Wonder if Amechi had any kind of rapport whatsoever with Renee Portland while at Penn State.....somewhat ironic. Gotta wonder what she's' thinking as this makes the news.
John Amaechi is a great humanitarian. This is such an incredible story because of all he does for children. John Amaechi is a tremendous role model for the community.
It makes me angry when all those ignorant idiots automatically think "child predator" when they talk about gay men. I feel like asking all those ignorant dopes exactly what volunteer work have they done for children or senior citizens?
We should all be proud to have John Amaechi in our community!
I am so happy for you John Amaechi. You are a hero!
It makes me angry when all those ignorant idiots automatically think "child predator" when they talk about gay men. I feel like asking all those ignorant dopes exactly what volunteer work have they done for children or senior citizens?
We should all be proud to have John Amaechi in our community!
I am so happy for you John Amaechi. You are a hero!
Awesome! I keep hearing Etta James' "At Last" in my head. I know that there will be those who
criticize John for not coming out sooner and those who will not care because he is not Michael
Jordan or hot according to their sex fantasy tastes, but John is a great human being who is using
the power he has to promote what he says he believes in the world. I am honored to know that
he is a part of the community. And proud to see that another professional athlete is willing to
stand up and say he is gay when there are places in the world where this means death. For
those in our community who will be negative because nothing is ever good enough for them
in terms of anything, I say this: don't be bitter, go out and make your life better!
criticize John for not coming out sooner and those who will not care because he is not Michael
Jordan or hot according to their sex fantasy tastes, but John is a great human being who is using
the power he has to promote what he says he believes in the world. I am honored to know that
he is a part of the community. And proud to see that another professional athlete is willing to
stand up and say he is gay when there are places in the world where this means death. For
those in our community who will be negative because nothing is ever good enough for them
in terms of anything, I say this: don't be bitter, go out and make your life better!
I am very proud that John Amaechi would care so much about his brothers that he would sacrifice his privacy to advance understanding of gay males. John shows himself to be a brave citizen and a kind gentleman, who is willing to stand tall in front of the world, a tower of strength and the "man in the middle."
QUOTE(Joe in Philly @ Feb 6 2007, 06:50 PM)
I find this fascinating...
He wanted a reporter to out him, yet couldn't find a way to come out on his own? I think this is sad.
Does anyone else find it very interesting that Mr. Amaechi chose to release his book and appear on ESPN during the NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas? What a brilliant move on his part! I wonder if there is going to be one courageous reporter in the bunch that dare ask any of the NBA elite players participating in next weekend's festivities what their viewpoints are on both Amaechi and gay rights. Who knows, we might just see a very lively discussion on gays in pro sports next weekend. If nothing else, I'm sure Sir Charles Barkley surely will have plenty to say!
So, Mr. Amaechi had been seen numerous times in West Hollywood, so this isn't really big news in the gay bball community. And while it's great he's publically coming out as the first, you just wish it was a player who was actually pretty good. No offense, but his numbers were horrible. The man was 6'9 and his career high for rebounds in a game was 10 -- in one game! Granted, he may have had better numbers and contributed more if he had stayed in Orlando, but he took the money in Utah and couldn't live up to the contract. I'll be curious what he talks about in his book, but this isn't on the level of Swoops in my opinion. She's a true legend in the women's game. When is the great or let alone very good NBA player going to come out? Let's hope that guys is next.
QUOTE(blueraider @ Feb 6 2007, 05:38 PM)
Wonder if Amechi had any kind of rapport whatsoever with Renee Portland while at Penn State.....somewhat ironic. Gotta wonder what she's' thinking as this makes the news.
And later with the Jazz, with Larry "get that gay cowboy movie out of my theaters" Miller signing his checks. Will be interesting to see what kind of coverage this gets in the coming weeks....
Outsports... great work in breaking this story!
Edit to add: Best wishes to John Amaechi. It's a brave step to be the first NBA player to come out. I hope the book goes well, and you are able to get some public recognition and tell your story. Oprah, Larry King, The View... book this guy! And hopefully gays in the NBA (and LGBT fans of basketball, in general), get some recognition and respect. As someone posted on another thread, NBA All Star weekend is coming up and there will be lots of opportunity for the talking heads to raise this issue and discuss. I'm sure Charles Barkley would not be afraid to talk about it. Hopefully others will express their views.
Article from the Patriot-News about the open secret dating to Amaechi's days at Penn State.
London Times: I'm gay, says British basketball star
Edit to add: Best wishes to John Amaechi. It's a brave step to be the first NBA player to come out. I hope the book goes well, and you are able to get some public recognition and tell your story. Oprah, Larry King, The View... book this guy! And hopefully gays in the NBA (and LGBT fans of basketball, in general), get some recognition and respect. As someone posted on another thread, NBA All Star weekend is coming up and there will be lots of opportunity for the talking heads to raise this issue and discuss. I'm sure Charles Barkley would not be afraid to talk about it. Hopefully others will express their views.
Article from the Patriot-News about the open secret dating to Amaechi's days at Penn State.
London Times: I'm gay, says British basketball star
Sure he's no big star and sure he's no longer playing, but give the guy credit for coming out! Slow and steady...maybe I'm living in a dream world, but I really feel that within ten years an active player will come out in the pros.
QUOTE(jockgroove @ Feb 6 2007, 11:03 PM)
So, Mr. Amaechi had been seen numerous times in West Hollywood, so this isn't really big news in the gay bball community. And while it's great he's publically coming out as the first, you just wish it was a player who was actually pretty good. No offense, but his numbers were horrible. The man was 6'9 and his career high for rebounds in a game was 10 -- in one game! Granted, he may have had better numbers and contributed more if he had stayed in Orlando, but he took the money in Utah and couldn't live up to the contract. I'll be curious what he talks about in his book, but this isn't on the level of Swoops in my opinion. She's a true legend in the women's game. When is the great or let alone very good NBA player going to come out? Let's hope that guys is next.
I bet you're the kind of person who stares at the microwave and yells, "Hurry Up!"
Be happy we've got our first baby step in the right direction. I'm proud of Meech and his courage should not be diminished in any way whatsoever.
More power to John Amaechi, and it's great he came out during Black History Month too!
I'm not the biggest NBA fan but I love college hoops and follow it pretty closely... yet I've never heard of him. Hmm. I don't remember him at Penn State at all. Was he a major Big Ten star?
Why are we even debating if he's a "big enough" star or not? The man played in the NBA for 9 years and he's the biggest NBA star ever from the UK. Along with his fame, he's using the millions of dollars he earned in the NBA to help underprivileged kids. Those facts alone makes him a star in my eyes and certainly worthy of the respect of the GLBT community! Apparently folks are not going to be satisfied until King Michael Jordan announces he's likes boys and is a total bottom. At least Mr. Amaechi had the courage to ignore the fallout and possibility of alienation of fellows pro athletes and sponsors and take a step in the right direction.
QUOTE(TheOtherFSU @ Feb 7 2007, 05:55 PM)
I'm not the biggest NBA fan but I love college hoops and follow it pretty closely... yet I've never heard of him. Hmm. I don't remember him at Penn State at all. Was he a major Big Ten star?
Sorry, but when talking hoops -- "Penn State" and "major Big Ten star" does not compute
(I don't remember him from PSU either)
Glad I'm not the only one who said, "Who?," when I first heard the news. I'm not dissing the guy or anything. I just honestly had no idea who he was. I'm interested now in learning more about him.
I'm not dissing the guy or anything. I just honestly had no idea who he was. I'm interested now in learning more about him.
Well, if you don't follow the NBA, you never would have heard of him. It's not his fault that he wasn't an elite player.
Personally, I'm still irritated with him for turning down the Lakers, when we desperately needed a backup center. He was considered good enough at the time, that missing out on him was a major disappointment for the team. But he deserves all the credit in the world now.
Personally, I'm still irritated with him for turning down the Lakers, when we desperately needed a backup center.
He was considered good enough at the time, that missing out on him was a major disappointment for the team. But he deserves all the credit in the world now.
QUOTE(Joe in Philly @ Feb 6 2007, 07:50 PM)
I find this fascinating...
He wanted a reporter to out him, yet couldn't find a way to come out on his own? I think this is sad.
It's also another confirmation of the bizarre double standard in the media. They have no problem exposing any and all sexual/personal/intimate secrets of a het star, but whether we are talking about gay or lesbian sports stars or actors or other celebrities, there seems to be an unwritten rule that the media (other than tabloids) just won't discuss any evidence of the truth about their lives. I mean, Rosie O'Donnell was not only well known to be a lesbian, she was out on the town with her girlfriend all the town, and the MSM just would not talk about it.
Until being gay is really treated as nothing different than being straight - and items like Amaechi being in gay clubs are reported - we really won't have equality.
QUOTE(jay original @ Feb 7 2007, 04:31 AM)
I know that there will be those who
criticize John for not coming out sooner and those who will not care because he is not Michael
Jordan or hot according to their sex fantasy tastes..
He's hot enough for me! I'd certainly hit it.
Oh yes...he could definitely get it. Bravo to him.
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