NBA referee Bill Kennedy comes out as gay

Bill Kennedy, one of the NBA's top referees who has worked 18 seasons in the league, has revealed he is gay.

"I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man," Kennedy told on Sunday night. "I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver delivered a statement of support for Kennedy.