Jason Collins has become the first active player in the NBA to come out as gay.
The 34-year-old, who played most recently for the Washington Wizards in an NBA career spanning 12 seasons and six teams, came out in an article with Sports Illustrated magazine.
He wrote: 'I'm a 34-year-old NBA centre. I'm black. And I'm gay.
The 34-year-old, who played most recently for the Washington Wizards in an NBA career spanning 12 seasons and six teams, came out in an article with Sports Illustrated magazine.
He wrote: 'I'm a 34-year-old NBA centre. 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.'
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| Coming out: Collins has played for Boston Celtics and most recently starred for Washington Wizards |
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| Trailblazer: Collins (left) is the first athlete playing a major sport in America to reveal he is gay |
'If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
Collins said he was pleased he could finally 'do the right thing' and 'stop hiding'.
He wrote: 'No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have. But each time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more soundly.
'It takes an enormous amount of energy to guard such a big secret. I've endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie. I was certain that my world would fall apart if anyone knew.
'And yet when I acknowledged my sexuality I felt whole for the first time. I still had the same sense of humour, I still had the same mannerisms and my friends still had my back
Collins said he was pleased he could finally 'do the right thing' and 'stop hiding'.
He wrote: 'No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have. But each time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more soundly.
'It takes an enormous amount of energy to guard such a big secret. I've endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie. I was certain that my world would fall apart if anyone knew.
'And yet when I acknowledged my sexuality I felt whole for the first time. I still had the same sense of humour, I still had the same mannerisms and my friends still had my back
He added: 'Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay. In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out.'
Collins, who is now a free agent, has reached the NBA finals twice and said he intended to continue his career.
British star John Amaechi became the first former NBA player to come out in 2007.
Earlier this year, former USA footballer Robbie Rogers revealed more about why he quit the sport in February after coming out as gay.
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| Explanation: American Rogers made his announcement via a heartfelt entry on his blog |
The 25-year-old winger, capped 18 times by America, had played for Heerenveen, Columbus Crew, Leeds United and most recently, Stevenage. When he came out, Rogers posted a blog entitled 'The Next Chapter', and then headed out of the house for a drink, switching off his phone.
When a friend told him of the crazy reaction on Twitter, he replied: 'It doesn't matter. My phone's off. No one can reach me. I'm totally free.'
When a friend told him of the crazy reaction on Twitter, he replied: 'It doesn't matter. My phone's off. No one can reach me. I'm totally free.'
Theres nuthin new unda the sun
ReplyDeleteHe who is without skeleton in his cupboard should cast the 1st stone
ReplyDelete14 years if Fashola catch u
ReplyDelete