Like the great Frank Sinatra, seen the best of the best, the worst of the worst, Much more than this he did hisss wayyyyy
One of sports most important figures finally decided to call it quits after a decent 13 year tenure in the NBA. Forward, Jason Collins announced to the sports world that it was his time to walk away from the game he loves playing. Before the pros Collins was a All-American standout at the University of Stanford. Jason went to be drafted with the 18th pick of the 2000 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He later went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. Jason’s ultimate claim to fame came during the 2012-2013 when he publicly came out as a gay man in a Sports Illustrated issue. By April of 2014, Collin was claimed off free agency as the Brooklyn Nets signed the seasoned veteran to a 10 day contract, becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in any four major North American pro league sports clubs.
Nets honor Jason Collins, who earlier today announced his retirement from the NBA. pic.twitter.com/SAcKNkb38v
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) November 20, 2014
The Brooklyn Nets payed homage to the California baller tonight when they played host to the Milwaukee Bucks. The crowd gave a standing ovation saluting his courage of becoming one of the rare athletes who overcame their fears and let his sexuality be known. Collins career statistics doesn’t match the competitiveness and drive he brought to the game. Coaches and former teammates often praise his abilities to execute coaches’ defensive strategies, and communicate on defense while reading opponents movements. A team leader on and off the court, it wasn’t a surprise that Time Magazine chose him to be the feature cover man for their annual “100 Most Influential People in the World”. Who says you have to average 30 PPG, 10 RPG, 15 APG to have an impact in the sport you love. Collins rightfully was able to leave a legacy in the world of basketball the way every athlete dreams of doing; to change the game.
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-Omari White (@SmooveGuyO)