Gay nba basketball player
Jason Collins
(1978-)
Who Is Jason Collins?
Jason Paul Collins was born in Northridge, California on December 2, 1978. After playing basketball with his twin brother, Jarron, in high school and at Stanford University, Collins developed into a capable NBA defender for multiple teams. On April 29, 2013, he became the first active male competitor in the four major North American professional sports to proclaim his homosexuality.
Early Years and Education
Jason and Jarron played basketball for Harvard-Westlake High School in North Hollywood, California, where future television and show star Jason Segel served as their backup. They won a pair of California State championships together. As a senior in 1997, Jason was named to the McDonald's Lofty School Basketball All-American Team.
The twins enrolled at Stanford University. Limited to eight games over his first two seasons because of injuries, Jason averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his senior year and was an honorable mention on the All-American Team. He graduated with a degree in communications and was the 18th pick in the 2001 NBA draft with the New Jersey Nets.
NBA Career
Collins never became a star in t
BY: Zaniah Boykin
Published 5 months ago
The street to LGBTQIA+ representation in sports has been a drawn-out and bumpy one, especially in professional basketball. For years, the NBA and other major leagues were slow to embrace openly homosexual players, but things are changing. Today, more athletes are stepping up, living their truth, and making basketball a more inclusive room. The courage of these players is shifting the customs and inspiring future generations. Let’s grab a look at some of the most notable homosexual basketball players who have helped conduct this evolution.
1. Jason Collins
In 2013, Collins made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. At a time when few athletes in any sport had come out, Collins’ bravery was a game-changer for LGBTQIA+ visibility in professional sports. His courage paved the way for others, and since retiring, he has continued to advocate for equality. Collins remains among the most crucial figures in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement within professional athletics.
2. Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner is one of the most high-profile openly gay basketball players ever. Acknowledged as a dominant force in the W
First Openly Gay NBA Player Marries His Partner
Jason Collins, the first openly homosexual NBA player has married his elongated term partner Brunson Green.
The two wed in a stunning ceremony with termination friends and family and some fabulous entertainment in Austin, Texas.
Jason Collins and Brunson Green tie the knot
American professional NBA player Jason Collins made history in 2013 when he publicly came out as gay.
Following the conclusion of the 2012 – 2013 season he made the common announcement in an interview.
When he went on to compete again in 2014 he became “the first publicly homosexual athlete to perform in any of four major North American pro sports leagues.” before retiring from the sport later that year.
He received widespread praise and support when he came out, with many high profile basketball players speaking up to aid him.
At the day when he came out in an interview Sports IllustratedJason Collins stated his intention to preserve his private being personal, but did state that he was single at the time.
Later in 2014 Collins began dating Brunson Green, a film producer, the pair own been together ever since.
Brunson is acknowledged for his serve o
Jason Collins:
That was the last nail in the coffin of, I’m doing this, I’m adding my voice to all the other athletes who are speaking up on behalf of the Diverse community. But there were those family members that I had who said, Jason, do you need to come out publicly? Can you just live your life but know that we know we love you, but you don’t necessarily need to talk about it? And I said to them, that’s not who you raised me to be.
Jay Ruderman:
Hi, I’m Jay Ruderman and welcome to All About Change, a podcast showcasing individuals who leverage the hardships that have been thrown at them to better other people’s lives.
Montage:
I say put mental health first because if you don’t…
Montage:
This generation of America has already had enough.
Montage:
I stand before you, not as an expert, but as a concerned citizen.
Jay Ruderman:
Jason Collins spent 13 years playing in the NBA. During his career on the court, he earned a reputation for being a team player who knew when to step out of the spotlight for the good of his team. But that reputation came at a price.
Jason Collins:
I tried to be the fine son, tried to be the p