The first to raise his hand
Players who come out as gay tend to do so after they’re done playing the game, but today for the first time ever the NBA has their first actively gay player. Jason Collins who played last season with the Washington Wizards has come out in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated.
Here is an excerpt from the article on why he has decided to come out now,
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.
Collin’s who may have jut changed the future of male pro sports has opened the door for athlete’s to come out and be who they are and he certainly has the support of other players in the NBA. Why I say male sports is because women’s sports have been more accepting to gay players.
Check Kobe Bryant and Baron Davis’ tweets of support below.
Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2013
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5
— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013
– John McAuliffe (@John_Mac310)
