Biden commends Raiders' Nassib, Spirit's Yokoyama for coming out

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Biden commends Raiders' Carl Nassib, Spirit's Kumi Yokoyama for coming out

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Jun 23, 2021 11:04 AM ET

It has been a historic week for professional sports in the United States, and President Joe Biden has taken notice.

Biden praised two professional athletes, Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama, for coming out on Tuesday via Twitter.

To Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama – two prominent, inspiring athletes who came out this week: I’m so proud of your courage. Because of you, countless kids around the world are seeing themselves in a new light today.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 23, 2021

Nassib, a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, came out as gay on Monday in an Instagram video , becoming the first openly gay active NFL player. He received support from his teammates, coaches, fellow athletes and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Yokoyama, a forward for the NWSL's Washington Spirit and Japan's national team, came out as a transgender man in a YouTube video posted on Sunday.

Experts and LGBTQ+ advocates told USA Today Sports in January that it was more likely for athletes to come out under the Biden administration following Donald Trump's tenure in office.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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