Jason Collins has made history as the NBA's first openly gay player on contract. The 35-year-old center signed with the Brooklyn Nets for 10 days on Sunday, then played with the team against the L.A. Lakers hours later.
That Collins is gay is not news. The 12-year NBA veteran came out last spring, but hasn't played since April 2013. However, the news marks the first time an openly gay player has played in any of the four major American sports leagues (those being the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League).
A quick scan of online comments in response to the player's 'gay-but' has ranged from attacks from folks who find it icky and unwholesome, to pride from the LGBT community, and a pretty big, 'I don't really care on which side he butters his bread as long as he can play' from the majority of people.
One might conclude from this that the majority of sports fans are far more interested in whether the 35-year-old who has never had a stellar professional career will be a real asset to the Nets during his 10-day tenure with the team.
According to Nets General Manager Billy King, "The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision. We need to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract." Collins is 7-feet tall and weighs 255 pounds.
Should the Nets sign Collins on for a second consecutive 10-day contract, they will be obligated to sign him for the season to keep him after that.
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