Jason Collins has remained serviceable throughout his career as an NBA center. But off the court, he carried a deep secret with him. Collins, 34, recently revealed that he is gay.
In an editorial piece published by Sports Illustrated, Collins wrote that he once dated women and was engaged at one point.
“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,” he wrote. “And yet when I acknowledged my sexuality I felt whole for the first time. I still had the same sense of humor, I still had the same mannerisms and my friends still had my back.”
Collins also revealed that his twin brother, Jarron, was skeptical when he made his sexuality known to his family one year ago.
“I didn’t come out to my brother until last summer,” Collins wrote. “He was downright astounded. He never suspected. So much for twin telepathy. But by dinner that night, he was full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to step in and protect me.”
Collins has been a journeyman in the NBA and is often used sparingly to guard massive centers such as Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan or Andrew Bynum.
His coming out will receive attention, but the impact won’t be great because Collins isn’t a great player. The true test will only occur once an NBA All-Star feels the need to come out of the closet.
Share your thoughts on Jason Collins’ choice to come out as gay.
