It's been a very busy sports Monday from the get-go. While some people may think Tim Tebow's release from Jets is the big story of the day, it's not even close.
NBA veteran center Jason Collins came out of the closet Monday with a simple statement. "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.", is what Collins told Sports Illustrated. Collins, who spent the first 6-1/2 seasons of his career with the New Jersey Nets and spent time with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards this season, had been orchestrating the announcement for a while.
Collins felt it was time for someone to step up; someone who still had a desire to play to play professional sports. Now comes the real test- being accepted by an owner, front office, coaches, and players. Shortly after the announcement, support started pouring in from a variety of backgrounds, but none more important than active NBA players themselves.
Kobe Bryant @kobebryant3hProud of@jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others#courage#support#mambaarmystandup#BYOU
Of course there was ignorance as expressed (and then retracted) as well by the NFL's Mike Wallace.
@Wallace17_daKid All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH.”
Mike Wallace @Wallace17_daKid1hNever said anything was right or wrong I just said I don't understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended
I'm sure he would like to have come out sooner - no team could then use the excuse that they don't have room for a 34-year old on their team. Collins finally did come out because he felt it was time to live his life truly, to be who he was. Let's hope he's treated with the dignity he deserves and as an equal., not just on the court, but in life.
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