NBA Veteran Gay Athlete Jason Collins Comes Out

Collins came out in an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated, published online and available on newstands May 6:

Jason Collins, the 12-year veteran NBA center, has come out as gay, the first active professional athlete in the four major leagues to do so.

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 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….

For months, rumors have abounded that an athlete in one of the major sports was going to come out of the closet. But the fact that it was Collins, an NBA player, was a surprise.

While there will undoubtedly be grumbling in locker rooms, and Collins will likely face abuse from some fans, the public reaction from most NBA players was overwhelmingly positive.

The Washington Wizards, with whom Collins played last season, issued a statement in support:

We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.

A number of current and former players voiced their support for Collins’ decision on Twitter:

Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant34:

Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU

Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis):

I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters http://bit.ly/12J9el5

NBA commissioner David Stern and former president Bill Clinton also released statements of support.

“I have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea’s classmate and friend at Stanford. Jason’s announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community,” Clinton’s statement read in part.

Collins also revealed that he has been wearing the number 98 for the past two seasons in honor of Matthew Shepherd, the gay man who was tortured and murdered in 1998.

Collins is a free agent this summer.