Kyle Hawkins is the former head coach of the University of Missouri men's lacrosse team. In May 2006, he discussed his sexual orientation with several media outlets, including the New York Times and MSNBC.com after having revealed to his university and team that he was gay. In April 2007, the story again made media waves with an Associated Press story featured on MSNBC.com. In May 2007, his contract was not renewed. There was considerable disagreement for the reasons for not renewing his contract. Some allege it had to do with his newly disclosed sexual orientation; the team made public statements that it was because of his alleged negative reputation. Hawkins was named the first openly gay man coaching an intercollegiate men's team sport by ESPN.