Ex-NBA player John Amaechi -- one of the most famous openly gay athletes on the planet -- has a message for Amar'e Stoudemire ... DON'T FLATTER YOURSELF.
After Stoudemire told Israeli media that he'd refuse to be in the same locker room as a gay teammate, Amaechi told TMZ Sports he's sick and tired of negative role models like A.S.
"These are serious times and we need serious people to lead important conversations, not petulant man-children spouting puerile prejudice," Amaechi told us.
"There is already one too many of those holding court in the media, and the world is poorer for it.