NBA hotness Richard Jefferson, recently traded to the San Antonio Spurs from the Milwaukee Bucks, launches into Defcon 3 spin control after dumping his fianceé days before his elaborate wedding via email. The professional basketball player sets the story straight, literally, on the gay rumors "that have fluttered quietly around Jefferson for a few years" and were telegraphed to the masses this week by Page Six, Outsports and Deadspin report.
"The original New York Post story implied that Jefferson dumped his fiance as she waited in a church with her dress on and then skipped town without even telling his guests. Then in a follow up story—that Jefferson even gave an interview for—they said that he dumped her via email as she flew to New York for the wedding."
The Page Six folo notes the former New Jersey Net "insisted a rumor he's gay had nothing to do with the breakup. 'I'm not gay,' Jefferson said. "That couldn't be any further from the truth. I have nothing to hide.'"
In order to "clear up the rumors" about his sexuality, the break-up and the "six-figure" settlement paid to the jilted ex-Nets cheerleader, the baller went on Howard Stern and Dan Patrick's radio shows. (NSFW: Cuz, you know, all the straight guys go on Stern to proclaim their sexuality.) On Dan Patrick's show—listen here—Jefferson insisted he was not gay because his parents were Christian missionaries and "that's the furthest thing from the truth and it sort of pissed me off. ... The worst thing you can do to an athlete is question him at that level."
Since 2006, there has been speculation around Jefferson, mostly due to rumors about a gay/bisexual/DL New Jersey Net that was seriously involved with Tyson Beckford. MediaTakeOut has also suggested Jefferson was the player in question. FWIW: Our initial impression of the break-up was there was a problem with the golddigger fianceé (e.g. refused to sign a pre-nuptial agreement, etc). But it's always news when a celebrity launches a media tour to address "gossip" and rumors. What was that Shakespeare quote? "Methinks the lady doth protest too much ..."
UPDATE: DL "player" or "players" in NBA? Follow our Tweets.
Richard Jefferson Religious, Not Gay [Outsports]
Not Gay Jefferson Lets His Girl Down Easy [Deadspin]
Jefferson Clears Up Rumors [SI]
