Former National Rugby League (NRL) player Kane Evans has come out gay. The Australian athlete disclosed his sexuality in an emotional interview with Channel Nine’s 100% Footy, shared on Monday, June 8.
Speaking to reporter James Bracey, the 34-year-old said, “I’ve been fighting a war within since I was about 15 years old, and it’s not sustainable.” He added that he had wanted to end his life because he had been “living in denial from a young age”.
“I still can’t believe that I’m here talking to you. This is definitely my worst nightmare,” Evans admitted. “But I know if I surrender, it’s just going to be a start to a new life.”
The athlete continued by saying he knows that other people are navigating the same struggle, and he feels “very blessed” to be able to talk about it and “save a life or two”. He also spoke about being subjected to blackmail attempts and threats of being publicly outed, sharing that “it just built up a lot of shame and fear and guilt” within himself.