Orlando Magic guard Tracy McGrady is learning that just about any controversial issue a superstar addresses can end up in bold, sometimes bawdy, headlines.

McGrady recently told a "laddie" magazine for its November issue that he believes "5 percent" of NBA players are gay and added he had witnessed incidents of homosexual behavior.

Also in the interview, McGrady criticized Magic management for not involving him in the signing of free-agent forward Juwan Howard.

McGrady made his comments to Stuff magazine writer Bill Schulz, whose questions were far more raucous than McGrady's answers.

In a question-and-answer interview at McGrady's Isleworth mansion in July, Schulz asked McGrady, "Here's a pertinent question: How many homosexuals are currently playing in the NBA?"

"I think about 5 percent," McGrady said.

Schulz then said, " Wow. That's a huge amount for such a macho profession. Have you observed any specific incidents that allow you to make that statement?"

"Yeah," McGrady said.

Schulz went on to another subject when McGrady would not expand his answer. However, he did not include himself among the 5 percent.

McGrady could not be reached Friday for comment on the article. Magic General Manager John Gabriel would not comment.