Nuggets Faried links up with Athlete Ally

The Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried has been a busy man lately. He’s manning the paint for the Nuggets in hopes of securing a top-four seed in the Western Conference playoffs. This upcoming weekend, he’ll be participating in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest and BBVA Rising Stars Challenge.

His latest venture however, means the most to him.

Faried became the first NBA player to join forces with Athletes Ally. Athletes Ally is an organization that raises awareness of homophobia in sports in efforts to end it.

Faried joins other professional athletes such as Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens, Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns and Connor Barwin of the Houston Texans.

“Becoming an Athlete Ally gives me the opportunity to spread a message of inclusiveness throughout the NBA and our country,” Faried said in a statement.

“I have two moms and I love them both very much. I respect, honor and support them in every way. The bond I have with them has made me realize that I want all members of the LGBT community – whether they are parents, players, coaches or fans – to feel welcome in the NBA and in all of our communities.”

According to a press release from Athlete Ally:

“Faried will act as a liaison between the organization and the NBA, help promote Athlete Ally’s mission to end homophobia in sports by speaking out to his team, league and fan base, and encouraging his colleagues to join in the effort. The announcement comes as an extension of Athlete Ally’s ongoing relationship with the NBA. In August, the organization worked in partnership with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to deliver a pioneering LGBT awareness training to the 2012 NBA rookies, which included Faried.”