Jason Collins, who played this past season with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, has announced that he is gay, becoming the first active openly gay NBA player in league history, and the first male professional athlete in a United States team sport to ever come out.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Collins personally revealed his sexual orientation. In the article Collins said, "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."
At another point in the interview, Collins said, "I wouldn't label myself an activist. Again, I just see myself as someone who wants to live his life genuinely." He also said he would be glad to talk with opponents and teammates alike if they have issues or questions about his homosexuality. During the interview Collins also thanked those in the athletic culture, including former tennis star Martina Navratilova, former NBA center John Amaechi and "straight allies" Chris Kluwe, a punter for the Minnesota Vikings, and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a member of the Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens. "The words thank you aren't enough," says Collins.
Collins has developed a reputation in the NBA as a bruiser and stout post defender. He has played for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Celtics and Wizards. For his career, Collins has averaged 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He was the starting center for the New Jersey Nets 2001-2002, and 2002-2003 seasons in which the Nets made back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals.
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