NBA Player Jason Collins Announces He’s Gay

If by some chance you haven’t heard the news by now, Jason Collins has become the first openly gay male professional athlete who is still “active” in a major American sport.  This is pretty big news and could lead to several other athletes coming out, as well. We all know that Jason Collins is not the only one, there are probably several others out there hiding behind a mask. That is partly why Jason wanted to finally come out, he was tired of having to hide who he truly was.  Jason wrote in the May edition of Sports Illustrated,

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay. I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in classroom raising his hand and saying, “I’m different.” If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Collins is a 34-year-old veteran in the NBA. He’s been in the league for a total of 12 years and has played for a total of six different teams, most recently he played for the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards this past season. You’re probably wondering, “Well, gee. He’s been around that long, why haven’t I heard of him?” Well, he’s not exactly the greatest basketball player. He has never been that productive on the court, but teams are said to love his locker room presence. He’s got a great work ethic and can come in the game and give the starting center a much needed rest.

Collins has a twin brother who also played in the NBA named Jarron Collins. Jason admits that his brother was shocked by the news.  Jason wrote,

“I didn’t come out to my brother until last summer. His reaction to my breakfast revelation was radically different from Aunt Teri’s. He was downright astounded. He never suspected. So much for twin telepathy. But by dinner that night, he was full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to step in and protect me.” 

Since Sports Illustrated published the story on their website yesterday, thousands of people have expressed their support for Collins.  Kobe Bryant wrote on his Twitter account,

“Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage.”

Jason Kidd also wrote about Collins on his Twitter account,

“Jason’s sexuality doesn’t change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate.”

Collins has even received a phone call from the President of the United States, Barack Obama. An anonymous White House official revealed that Obama called Collins sometime yesterday and expressed his full support, and also mentioned that he was impressed by his courage.

Damn, a call from the president? That’s when you know you did something big. It’s like getting called to the principal’s office in school, except this time the principal is congratulating you for being gay and not suspending you for starting a food fight in the cafeteria.