NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay
(CNN) -- It's the biggest move of his career and it's off the court.Jason Collins, who played with the NBA's Washington Wizards this season, has disclosed that he is gay, making him the first active openly homosexual athlete in the four major American pro team sports. The center, who is now a free agent, made the disclosure in a column appearing in the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated."Jason Collins has forever changed the face of sports," said the Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights group fighting for gay rights.It likened the announcement to Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in major league baseball in the modern era.
"At a time when millions are reflecting on the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, Jason Collins is a hero for our own times."Collins played with six NBA teams over the past 12 seasons -- Along with the Wizards, they are the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Memphis Grizzlies. NBA Commissioner David Stern said Collins is widely respected in the league."We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue," he said in a statement.He played his college ball at Stanford University. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Stanford alumna, wrote on Twitter that she is "very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA."Bill Clinton called the announcement an "important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community."
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