Larry Bird stands as one of basketball’s most revered figures, having propelled the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships and amassed a collection of individual accolades, including three MVP titles, two Finals MVP honors, and 12 All-Star selections. Renowned for his exceptional shooting prowess and clutch performances, Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson became legendary, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the NBA during the 1980s.
Despite his illustrious career, Bird maintains a private demeanor, seldom delving into his personal life. This reserved stance has sparked conjecture and speculation regarding his sexuality, particularly following former WNBA star Sue Bird’s public disclosure of her lesbian identity and relationship with soccer player Megan Rapinoe in 2017. Some questioned whether Larry Bird and Sue Bird shared familial ties, pondering Larry Bird’s sexual orientation in the process.
However, contrary to rumors, Larry Bird is not gay. Throughout his life, he has been romantically involved exclusively with women, having been married twice and fathering three children. These facts firmly establish his heterosexuality.
Larry Bird’s First Marriage and Divorce
Larry Bird entered matrimony with his high school sweetheart, Janet Condra, at the tender age of 19 in 1975. Their union bore a daughter, Corrie, born in 1977. Regrettably, their marriage proved short-lived, culminating in divorce just a year later in 1976. According to CelebrityStats, the dissolution of their relationship stemmed from Larry’s unwavering commitment to basketball, which left scant time for familial obligations.
Larry Bird’s Second Marriage and Adoption
Larry Bird crossed paths with his second wife, Dinah Mattingly, during their time at Indiana State University, where they were both enrolled as students. Their romantic journey began in 1989, culminating in marriage later that same year. Since then, they have shared a steadfast bond, opting for a quiet existence shielded from the glare of media attention. Together, they welcomed two adopted children into their lives: a son named Conner and a daughter named Mariah.
Larry Bird’s Relationship with Sue Bird
Larry Bird and Sue Bird, despite their shared last name and prominence in basketball, are not related. They have not encountered each other face-to-face, although they did have a telephone conversation once. As reported by TechRadar247, Sue Bird recounted that Larry Bird reached out to congratulate her over the phone following her inaugural WNBA title win in 2004. Expressing admiration for him as a player, Sue Bird regards Larry Bird as a source of inspiration.
Larry Bird’s Sexuality Rumors
Following Sue Bird’s public acknowledgment of her lesbian identity in 2017, rumors regarding Larry Bird’s sexuality began circulating on social media. Some individuals speculated a connection between the two, presuming Larry Bird might also be gay. However, there exists no substantiated evidence or indication to support such claims. Larry Bird has never publicly addressed his sexual orientation nor displayed any inclination towards romantic involvement with men.
Larry Bird’s legacy extends far beyond basketball, marked by remarkable achievements both on and off the court. As a heterosexual man, he has been married twice to women and is the father of three children. His sexuality is not subject to speculation or controversy but simply a facet of his life. Larry Bird’s sexual orientation, unequivocally heterosexual, requires no validation or explanation to others.