Phoenix Suns' CEO Rick Welts Comes Out

The Phoenix Suns' president and CEO, Rick Welts, 58, has become the first NBA executive to come out as gay, in an interview with the New York Times. Closeted for his 40 years in pro basketball, Welts had to hide his grieving when his longtime partner Arnie died of aids in 1994. More recently, Welts' partner of 14 years was no longer willing to hide and broke up with him two years ago. Welts has the full support of NBA commissioner David Stern, who 17 years ago sent Welts a $10,000 check for the memorial fund in Arnie's name. Last month Stern fined Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant $100,000 for calling a ref a faggot. Suns player Steve Nash was surprised at his boss's coming out -- he thought he already was out, because everyone knew. Nash told the Times, "“Anyone who’s not ready for this needs to catch up. He’s doing anyone who’s not ready for this a favor.”