The gay volleyball star whose controversial antics have divided social media says he will not ‘tone down’ his personality despite being subjected to homophobic abuse.
Clips of Jordan Lucas, who plays as an outside hitter for Cal State Northridge’s men’s team, celebrating on the court in a flamboyant manner went viral last month, with fans torn over whether his flashy gestures are disrespectful to opponents or not.
Lucas’ extravagant posturing while in action for Cal State Northridge has led to vile homophobic insults online, while UC Irvine announcer Charlie Brande sparked uproar by expressing his surprise that he ‘hasn’t been popped’ by a rival player yet.
Yet in an interview with The Guardian, the controversial volleyball personality has clapped back at his critics and refused to let them influence his behavior.
‘I celebrate because it’s fun. In professional sports – the NBA, NFL, MLB – it’s about talent, but it’s also about what separates you from the pack,’ Lucas said. ‘I’m not going to tone down who I am. That’s why people watch me play.’
Athletes celebrating or taunting opponents is nothing new, but Lucas’ unique approach to doing so – which includes finger snaps, hair flips and the occasional dramatic swivel – is what has caused the biggest stir online.
The gay volleyball star whose controversial antics have divided social media has spoken out
Jordan Lucas insists he has no plans to ‘tone down’ his personality despite suffering abuse
‘People either love or hate the way I play,’ he continued. ‘But they’re enamored, because you don’t really see people like me in this sport, or in sports in general.’
‘There’s this stereotype that men in sports have to be dominant, brute, hyper-physical. I’m not really like that. I like antics. I’m more feminine,’ he added.
‘You’re not telling the best NFL players not to do end zone dances or post on TikTok. I’m doing the same thing – just in a more feminine way.’
Lucas, who was raised in a family of basketball fanatics before bucking the trend and excelling in volleyball, has received overwhelming support from teammates, coaches and staff amid his polarizing fame.
He recalls being a divisive figure due to the way he plays long before this viral saga, though it will not stop him from being himself on the court.
‘Being gay, I’ve known who I am for years. When people antagonize me, it just gives me more fire. It’s like, let me show you who I am,’ he stressed.
‘I’m not going to let anyone disrespect me. I’m not losing.’
