If you are a basketball fan, you might know that legends like Michael Jordan and Paul Gasol grace the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, among them is Larry Bird, who is famously known as “the Hick from French Lick.” You must know that Bird has earned numerous accolades for his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He is the only player in the league’s history named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Yet, the moon also has its dark spots. Despite his remarkable career, recent controversy surrounds Bird’s sexuality, with circulating rumours suggesting that he might be gay. The question arises: Is Larry Bird gay? Therefore, if you wish to know more about this, you should go through this article in detail.
The Question Of Larry Bird’s Sexuality
Well, if you like a straight answer, then let me tell you that Larry Bird is surely not gay. If you want evidence, then his two marriages are enough to prove his sexual orientation. What is more interesting is that there is no history of Larry dating men, and no rumours exist to link him romantically to any man. Then, you might question the reason for such curiosity about his sexuality.
Well, the origin of the misconception is interesting. Former WNBA player Sue Bird publicly disclosed her sexual orientation, expressing a preference for dating women. This revelation led to discussions about her relationship with Megan Rapinoe, the famous soccer player of the USWNT. The confusion arose from the shared surname between Larry and Sue, both basketball players. Moreover, amidst a surge in public figures coming out, some wrongly speculated that Larry Bird had also publicly acknowledged his sexuality, which is not the case.
About Larry Bird Marriages
You must know that Larry has been married twice in his life. At the beginning of his career, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, during his early days at Indiana State in 1975. Unfortunately, the couple, being young and lacking the maturity required for a successful marriage, faced challenges, leading to their divorce after just one year in 1976. Interestingly, Larry and Janet briefly reunited, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Corrie Bird, in 1977. Corrie is Larry’s only biological daughter.
After his initial marriage, Larry took a hiatus from matrimony before finding his perfect match in Dinah Mattingly. They tied the knot in 1989, and their union has stood the test of time, demonstrating a match made in heaven. Larry and Dinah are still happily together today. In addition to their enduring bond, they expanded their family by adopting two children, Conner and Mariah. The evidence of Larry Bird’s heterosexual orientation lies in his lasting and fulfilling relationship with his wife, Dinah.
More About Larry Bird
By now, it seems clear that Larry Bird is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association. He is among the legends considered the greatest of all time. His stunning playing career spanned 13 years, from 1979 to 1992, followed by a coaching tenure of three years, from 1997 to 2000. He breathed his first on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States,. Therefore, at present, he is 67 years old. You must also know that he is the son of Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird, a Korean War veteran. His ancestral heritage includes Irish, Scottish, and Native American roots. He grew up with four brothers and a sister. Basketball became an outlet for Larry to navigate his family’s challenges.
Bird’s basketball journey started at Springs Valley High School, where he showcased remarkable skills, averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists as a senior. His outstanding performance earned him a scholarship to play for the Indiana Hoosiers under coach Bob Knight in 1974. His career reached its pinnacle with the Boston Celtics, where he played from 1979 to 1992. In recognition of his contributions, the Celtics retired his jersey number 33 after his retirement. Larry Bird is renowned as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA, and his legacy includes being remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the league’s history.
Also read:
