Collins Becomes First Openly Gay NBA Player

The NBA saw its first openly gay player, Jason Collins sign a contract with the Brooklyn Nets over the weekend. On Sunday night, Collins took to the court in Nets uniform in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.  He received a warm round of applause from the audience, who acknowledged his unique status – the first openly gay athlete in any official US team sports, including baseball, basketball, hockey and football.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Collins said about his sexuality: “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 the 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.”

The 35 year old player spoke to the media after the Sunday night game, saying that it was “fun” and “good to get back out there on the court.”

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, said that Collins’ aim was always to earn another contract with an NBA team and commended him for achieving his goal. “I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful environment,” added Silver.

Collins played for 11 minutes during the Nets vs Lakers game on Sunday night and did not score, although he managed to pull down two rebounds and make one steal.  The Brooklyn Nets eventually won the game 108-102.

The ten day contract which Collins signed with the Nets can result in another 10 day contract, after which time the player has to be signed with the team for the rest of the season or, alternatively, be released.