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Collins becomes 1st openly gay NBA player
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Jason Collins took another trailblazing step as the first openly gay man in a major US pro sports league Sunday when he took the court for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
Hours after the Nets inked Collins to a 10-day contract, he came in as a substitute in the second quarter of the Nets’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was the 13-year NBA veteran’s first appearance in the league since he went public last April about his homosexuality.
At the Staples Center in Los Angles before the game, Collins said his immediate concern was proving he belonged in the league.
“Right now, I’m focused on trying to learn the plays, trying to learn the coverages, the game plan, my assignment,” he said.
Nets general manager Billy King said the move to sign Collins was a “basketball decision.”
“We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice,” King said.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver commended Collins on securing a deal. “Today, I want to commend him on achieving his goal. Everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful environment,” said Silver.
As part of a sports world still perceived as hostile to homosexuality, Collins drew praise for his courage in coming out as gay by US President Barack Obama, former president Bill Clinton and many players in the NBA.
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers was the first openly gay male athlete to play in a US pro league, turning out in a Major League Soccer match last May.
But Collins is the first in the leagues dominating US sport — Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.
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