Openly-gay Collins signs with Nets, a first for the NBA
- 10 years ago
It's a first for the National Basketball Association.
Openly gay veteran NBA player Jason Collins has signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
He publicly revealed that he was gay last April to the Sports Illustrated magazine but that was after the regular NBA season had ended.
Collins was at the game between the Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.
(SOUNDBITE) NBA PLAYER JASON COLLINS SAYING:
"Right now, I'm focused on trying to learn the plays, learn the coverages, the game plan assignment. I don't have time to really think about history right now. I just have to focus on my job tonight."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a welcoming statement, saying "everyone in the NBA family is excited for him."
Collin's isn't a huge sports star, per-se, but he won widespread praise among gay right activists for his groundbreaking personal statement, back when he had not been signed.
Openly gay veteran NBA player Jason Collins has signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
He publicly revealed that he was gay last April to the Sports Illustrated magazine but that was after the regular NBA season had ended.
Collins was at the game between the Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.
(SOUNDBITE) NBA PLAYER JASON COLLINS SAYING:
"Right now, I'm focused on trying to learn the plays, learn the coverages, the game plan assignment. I don't have time to really think about history right now. I just have to focus on my job tonight."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a welcoming statement, saying "everyone in the NBA family is excited for him."
Collin's isn't a huge sports star, per-se, but he won widespread praise among gay right activists for his groundbreaking personal statement, back when he had not been signed.