Derrick Gordon did not get selected in the NBA Draft and wasn’t given a chance to work out for any NBA teams, so he’s now pursuing a different career path.
Gordon, a New Jersey native who became the first openly gay male Division 1 basketball player when he came out in April 2014, is training to become a firefighter in San Francisco.
“I’ve had an amazing basketball career and want to thank everybody who has always been there supporting me every step on the way,” Gordon, who finished his college career at Seton Hall after stops at Western Kentucky and UMass, wrote on Instagram on Friday. “But I’m making a change in my career…I will now be working towards becoming a San Francisco Firefighter!! I’m excited about this and looking forward to having a long career!!”
Had an amazing basketball career but it’s time for a change…I will now work to become a San Francisco Firefighter! pic.twitter.com/pIk1yfNWhG
— Derrick Gordon (@flash2gordon) July 22, 2016
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Gordon averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game last season at Seton Hall.
He made history in March by becoming the first player ever to compete for three different teams in the NCAA Tournament. HE also became the first openly gay male player in the Big Dance.
“It’s great, it just goes to show I’m the true definition of an ultimate winner,” Gordon told ESPN then.
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