Jason Collins is set to become the first openly gay active player in the NBA.
ESPN reports Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets Sunday and is expected to dress for their game against the Lakers. CNN says to think of it as a trial run.
“Then the Nets can turn around and say ‘Great job, we want to sign you more’ or ‘You’re not what we’re looking for.’ And then the 10-day deal expires.”
News of the 35-year-old’s new deal comes nearly nine months after Collins came out publicly, announcing he was gay in a Sports Illustrated article in April 2013.
But, as many sites point out, like Sports Illustrated, the signing of the 7-foot tall center IS a basketball move and not just a PR stunt.
With “The [Nets] failing to make a move for a center at Thursday’s trade deadline, the team is in need of size. At 25-28, the team is clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.”
Collins’ deal comes on the heels of another gay athlete, Michael Sam, coming out in media interviews and setting himself up to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. Sam spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine over the weekend. (Via CBS)
The Nets will play a struggling 19-36 L.A. Lakers team Sunday night.
