When Jason Collins became NBA’s first openly gay active player in 2013: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center, I’m black, and I’m gay”
The NBA has always been a progressive league and proved it in 2013. During that season, Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay active player.
Before the announcement, Collins had a long career as a journeyman in the NBA. He was drafted 18th overall in 2001 and played for six different franchises throughout his 13 years in the league.
After years of silence, Jason Collins decided it was time to be open with the world. This wasn't just a huge moment for the NBA, but for professional sports as a whole. At the time, no other male athlete had come out as gay while their career was still going on.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the veteran center opened up on why he decided to make this announcement. For him, it was about simply starting the conversation.
"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. ... If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Following the monumental announcement, Jason Collins hung around the NBA for another year. The Brooklyn Nets signed him to a deal in 2014, but he was released after appearing in 22 games.
Read the entire interview here.
The NBA world openly accepted Jason Collins following his announcement
Given that something like this had never been done before, there was no telling how the world was going to respond. However, the NBA applauded Collins for speaking out. Multiple players took to social media to voice their support for their fellow player.
Some of the notable names to speak up were Baron Davis and the late great Kobe Bryant.
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5
Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU
Ernie Grunfeld, who was President of the Washington Wizards at the time, also released a statement. He too voiced support for Jason Collins and said he is a great role model for others.
“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.”
Collins took a big risk by speaking out, and should be applauded for shining a light on a topic that deserves to be talked about more.