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Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried first NBA player to join gay rights group ‘Athlete Ally’

Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried first NBA player to join gay rights group ‘Athlete Ally’

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried has teamed up Athlete Ally, a leading organization working to raise awareness and end homophobia in sports, becoming the first NBA player to take on such a high profile role in advocating equality for gays in sports.

Kenneth Faried. (AP file photo by David Zalubowski.)

“Becoming an Athlete Ally gives me the opportunity to spread a message of inclusiveness throughout the NBA and our country,” said Faried, in a statement.

“I have two moms and I love them both very much. I respect, honor and support them in every way. The bond I have with them has made me realize that I want all members of the LGBT community – whether they are parents, players, coaches or fans – to feel welcome in the NBA and in all of our communities,” he said.

“In the last month, we have seen seven professional athletes around the world align with Athlete Ally”, said Hudson Taylor, Executive Director of Athlete Ally.

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“As Kenneth joins four NFL players, including a Super Bowl champ, a pro rugby player and an Australian Rules Football star, he is bringing our movement to a new level. Kenneth is standing out not only as an incredible talent, but as an incredible ally. We are thrilled to have him on board and grateful to the NBA for its continued leadership,” said Taylor.

As an Athlete Ally, Faried joins Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens, Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns, Connor Barwin of the Houston Texans, Australian rugby star David Pocock, Australian Rules Football player Brock McLean and scores of college athletes who have already signed on.

Last month, Faried appeared with his mothers in a public service announcement to support same-sex civil union legislation in Colorado.

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