NBA Exec Rick Welts, Former 'Nova Star Will Sheridan Come Out

Rick Welts, CEO and president of the Phoenix Suns, is the first executive in one of the major sports in the U.S. to openly admit he's gay.

Will Sheridan, a starting forward for the Villanova Wildcats during most of his four-year career (2003-07), revealed the same thing in an ESPN.com article with Dana O'Neil.

I take it as another baby step toward progress in our somewhat stagnant country.

A little more than a year ago, Welsh rugby star came out of the closet and was fully supported by his teammates and fans alike.

However just a few weeks ago, Sean Avery of the NHL's New york Rangers simply stated he was for gay rights and was blasted by his agency, players and a large portion of the hockey community in general.

I stand behind the decisions of Welts and Sheridan. But you never know how the public is going to react. The big question is how will the rest of America take it?

Gay rights are the biggest civil rights movement in the nation today, and one that is long overdue. With Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed, the legalization of gay marriage is the next step.

The majority of Americans support this. However, the mindset of those in power is far from it, including the president.

It's just another prejudice born by a concept they don't understand. It's not a choice. It's something these people were born with. And they've proven to be upstanding citizens with a positive impact in the sports world.

And sports is one of the last areas to be accepting of this lifestyle, especially on the men's side. So I commend these two brave men for being comfortable and confident in who they are as people.

The sooner more people come out, the sooner our society will move forward. And that is a necessary change to truly be the city on a hill we claim to be.