Subscribe
The Daily Grind Video
CLOSE

Talk about being on the right side of history!

On Sunday, NBA veteran Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the four major American professional sports, signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

Shortly after signing his contract on Sunday, Collins, 35, played his first game against the Los Angeles Lakers, stepping in during the second quarter. His announcement was met with loud applause from the Staples Center crowd and a standing ovation when he hit the court.

Collins played 11 minutes in the Nets’ 108-102 win over the Lakers, going scoreless but picking up two rebounds, a steal and five fouls — which is exactly what he was brought on to do.

If you recall, Collins announced he was gay in the April 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated. The news of his Brooklyn Nets contract comes just two weeks after Michael Sams, an All-American defensive lineman from the University of Missouri, publicly revealed that he’s gay.

Sams could be the NFL’s first openly gay player in the history of the league.

We applaud both for their courage and bravery in the face of adversity. We wish Collins the best during his time with the Nets.

SOURCE: USA Today Sports | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty