Jason Collins
Jason Collins
Jason Paul Collinsis an American retired professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for Stanford University where he was an All-American in 2000–01, before being drafted 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. He went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets...
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth2 December 1978
CityLos Angeles, CA
basketball games play
Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful.
basketball cousin brother
Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. 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.
beating best capable extremely high league playing shown teams winning
With the winning streaks we've had, we've shown that we're capable of beating the best teams in this league and playing at an extremely high level.
chin good hold however job lean minutes pushing shoot stick tried tries turn wall whenever
When you're guarding him, it's like pushing a wall for 48 minutes or however long you're in there. He really tries to lean on you. I just tried to do a good job pushing him and make him shoot over me. Whenever he's going to turn to the basket, just stick my chin there or my chest, and hold my position.
why-not instant
Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?
sports team athlete
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,
gay years nba
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay,
athlete gay self
When we get to the point where a gay pro athlete is no longer forced to live in fear that he’ll be shunned by teammates or outed by tabloids, when we get to the point where he plays while his significant other waits in the family room, when we get to the point where he’s not compelled to hide his true self and is able to live an authentic life, then coming out won’t be such a big deal. But we’re not there yet,
morning blessed perfect
I am in love with the creator of heaven and earth. I see the morning sun and thank the Lord for everything that he has blessed me with. That is a perfect start to every morning.
believe family-and-friends honest
The most you can do is stand up for what you believe in. I'm much happier since coming out to my friends and family. Being genuine and honest makes me happy.
road-less-traveled walking traveled
I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I'm not walking it alone.
sports team athlete
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. 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.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
gay player laughing
I'm a veteran, and I've earned the right to be heard. I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh.
lgbt-community may prejudice
Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start.