Ian Roberts slams NZ Breakers over pride jersey: ‘This is homophobia’

Ian Roberts marches during the 44th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

By RNZ

The NRL’s first openly gay player has slammed the NZ Breakers as “cowards” for not wearing the rainbow pride flag in next year’s NBL Pride Round.

The Breakers are the second club to opt out of the pride jersey since the round began in 2023, saying it’s to protect individual players from being singled out for their beliefs. Cairns Taipans did the same during the inaugural round, when the players did not wear a pride jersey.

Ian Roberts has been a prominent voice and advocate for the rainbow community in Australian sport since coming out as gay in 1995, while still an active NRL player.

He told Morning Report the Breakers’ decision was shameful and could have huge repercussions for people struggling with their sexual identity.

“They’re absolute cowards,” he said.

“Call it for what it is. This is homophobia.

“This is bigotry. Just call it for what it is, at least have the courage to stand up and say, ‘yeah, I’m against this, I’m not for same-sex people being same-sex attracted, I’m totally opposed to that and I won’t wear a badge’.

“The consequences can be catastrophic for kids who are dealing with their sexuality and you’ve got d...heads like this who want to jump up and wave their religious book or culturally.

“I thought religion was supposed to be about embracing and loving and caring.”

Pride Round is the basketball league’s annual celebration of diversity and inclusion, recognising the LGBTQIA-plus community.

Roberts said he wasn’t surprised by the basketball team’s decision and believed there had been political and religious pressures.

The former Kangaroos and NSW Blues representative said the Breakers didn’t appreciate the depth of feeling within the sporting rainbow community.

“That’s why I get so worked up when people push back against it, it’s just saying, we embrace you, you’re welcome. That’s basically what it’s saying.

“Events like this make people feel better about themselves and make people feel worthy and make people feel like they’re not freaks and they’re not all isolated.

“It’s to be a part of this sport and to be a part of the sporting community. It should be a thing of celebration. It shouldn’t be any controversy... that’s why I just find it difficult that people want to use culture, cultural issues or religious issues or political issues to push back against stuff like this.

“This is about saving kids’ lives. That’s the bottom line for me, that’s how I see it.”

The Manly Sea Eagles great said he believed in the power of sport to change people’s lives and hoped the Breakers reconsidered their position.

In a statement, the Breakers said they “acknowledge the courage and leadership of Ian Roberts”.

“He has been a strong advocate for a Pride Round in the NRL, and in sports generally.

“The Breakers strongly support the NBL Pride Round and will celebrate the diversity of LGBTQIA+ players, members, volunteers, and supporters. We are committed to ensuring the Breakers are a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all, both on and off the court.

“Our players discussed the matter as a team and decided they would not wear the specific insignia. This is their choice driven by a collective decision that wanted to protect individuals from being singled out for their personal convictions.”

– RNZ