14 • SPORTS
Monday, May 6, 2013
Now is the time.
Pro Sports
NBA center becomes first openly gay professional athlete Former Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) goes around Atlanta Hawks’ Jason Collins (34) during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, April 24, 2011.•(Gary W. Green/ Orlando Sentinel/MCT Campus)
image: christy batta, m.f.a., graphic design, 2011, severna park, maryland
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The idea of an openly gay athlete in professional American sports, up until now, has been taboo, widely criticized and heavily debated; however, an unexpected admission of homosexuality from an active athlete has shaken the sports world. Jason Collins, a 12-year veteran in the NBA, became the first openly gay professional athlete on April 29 after he publicly made the announcement in an essay for Sports Illustrated. The announcement began with a short, but very powerful statement. “I’m a 34-year-old NBA Center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” This statement marks the first step toward tearing down homophobic barriers and developing a more understanding sports world. Collins is currently a free agent, but finished out the regular season as a member of the Washington Wizards after he was traded midseason by the Boston Celtics. Although many athletes have come out today, Collins will be the first athlete to do so prior to retiring. “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,” Collins said. Through basketball, Collins was able to keep his reality as a gay man at bay because he used it as a tool of distraction; however, the 2011 NBA lockout forced him to confront his inner struggle.
“Why am I coming out now? Well, I started thinking about this in 2011 during the NBA player lockout. I’m a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall. But the lockout wreaked havoc on my habits and forced me to confront who I really am and what I really want.” Collins wrote that he had dated women and even at one point became engaged because he believed he had to live the prototypical life to be accepted in society. “I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I knew it was blue.” The first relative Collins was able to come out to was his aunt who surprised him with her response. She claimed to have known he was gay for years; a reassuring statement that made him comfortable in his own skin. David Stern, NBA Commissioner, issued a statement supporting Collins’ decision. “Jason has been widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” This announcement has even drawn support from former President Bill Clinton. “Jason’s announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of LGBT community… I hope that everyone, particularly Jason’s colleagues in the NBA, the media and his fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned.” sroberson@the-telescope.com @scottroberson55