UPDATE: 10:23 PM EST
Jason Collins has responded to all of the support he has received today.
All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I’m not walking it alone
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) April 29, 2013
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Jason Collins, the 34-year-old Washington Wizards center, has just made a super big announcement.
He’s a ball player, and yes, he is gay.
In the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated, Collins talks about his decision to come out despite the controversy of gays in sports:
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.
Read the rest of his amazing story here.
NBA Commissioner David Stern released this statement regarding Collins’ announcement:
“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”
And GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media group said this about Collins’ bravery:
“‘Courage’ and ‘inspiration’ are words that get thrown around a lot in sports, but Jason Collins has given both ideas a brand new context,” said Aaron McQuade, head of GLAAD’s sports program. “We hope that his future team will welcome him, and that fans of the NBA and sports in general will applaud him. We know that the NBA will proudly support him, and that countless young LGBT Athletes now have a new hero.”
Even the White House Secretary, Jay Carney, weighed in!
“We commend him for his courage and support him in this effort.”
But, as expected, there were some who weren’t so understanding. Take NFL player Mike Wallace for an example.
Ain’t nobody got time for homophobic tweets!
Jason Collins, thanks for your bravery. We’re all super proud of you, man!
SOURCE: Sports Illustrated
