Former NRL player and enforcer Kane Evans publicly comes out as gay in an interview aired on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy. Multiple outlets report that Evans describes the change as bringing a sense of relief, saying he feels “free” after years of struggling with his sexuality. The accounts agree that Evans discusses a long inner battle involving denial and mental health challenges. Several reports add that he links his struggles to substance use and addiction, including drug and alcohol problems, and that he experienced homelessness during this period.
Coverage also notes the rarity of the disclosure in men’s Australian rugby league. Evans is reported as being the second male player to come out publicly in the professional game since Ian Roberts did so in 1995. Some reports characterize Evans as being open about suicidal thoughts and describe his account as acknowledging serious risk to his life.
Evans is also identified across outlets as having played for clubs including the Roosters and Parramatta and as having represented Fiji.
