The first line of the May 6th Sports Illustrated feature story reads like this: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay." With that, former Stanford star center Jason Collins became the first current male athlete in a major American sport to come out of the closet.
In his senior year at Stanford he averaged 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds, and went on to become a first round draft pick by the New Jersey Nets.
In college, he played alongside his twin brother Jarron, who told Sports Illustrated that he didn't know his brother was gay until last year. "I won't lie," he said. "I had no idea. We talked, he answered my questions, I hugged him and I digested what he had told me. At the end of the day, this is what matters: He's my brother, he's a great guy, and I want him to be happy. I'll love him and I'll support him and, if necessary, I'll protect him."
United in our support for Jason Collins. Not only one of the best teammates and leaders, but most importantly, an even better person.
— Stanford Men's Hoops (@stanfordbball) April 29, 2013
Proud of former Stanford teammate @jasoncollins34 for having the courage to come out!
— Julius Barnes (@CoachJBarnes) April 29, 2013
