WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jason Collins, a 12-year NBA veteran center, became the first active male player to come out as gay in one of the major American sports leagues.
Collins made the announcement in an article he authored on SI.com.
“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” writes Collins. “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.”
Collins has played with six NBA teams in his long career, most recently with the Washington Wizards. The 7-foot center is now a free agent and wants to keep playing in the NBA.
Collins twin brother, Jarron, was also a longtime center in the NBA. Jason came out to his brother last summer.
Jason Collins averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in 38 games played this season with the Wizards. For his career, he’s averaged 3.6 points and 20.8 minutes per game.
