In an era where change was imminent, a trio of words from Jason Collins reverberated through the sports world, altering its landscape forever.
Collins, who passed away at the age of 47 following a courageous battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma, made history 13 years ago with a groundbreaking revelation in Sports Illustrated, marking a significant moment in sports and society.
“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” Collins declared in the May 6, 2013 issue of the magazine. With this bold statement, he became the first openly gay player in the NBA, paving the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance in the league.
This announcement came on the heels of similar declarations by other prominent athletes. Soccer player Robbie Rogers and WNBA star Britney Griner, fresh off being the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, had also come out publicly. Notably, six years prior, former NBA player John Amaechi had revealed his sexual orientation, though it was after his career had concluded.
At the time of his historic announcement, Collins was transitioning in his professional career, having just wrapped up a season with the Washington Wizards. He described himself as a free agent, both “literally and figuratively,” embracing a new chapter with courage and authenticity.
In his essay, Collins, who played one more NBA season for the Nets after his historic news, said he never sought to make history and that his journey in “self-discovery” came over a long journey.
“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.
“My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons.”
Then-commissioner David Stern commended Collins for his candor and leadership shortly after he penned the essay in SI.
“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and [his twin brother] Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family,” Stern said. “Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”
In the wake of his statement, Collins, according to the New York Times, said he received a phone call of support from Tim Hardaway, who had previously said he did not like gay people and would not have wanted to be on Amaechi’s team. He also received praise from others, including then-Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
In 2021, when Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out, Collins, drawing on his on experience, said the NFLer would be impacting more people than he knew.
“He’s helping people across the board, of all ages,” Collins told the Los Angeles Times.
On Tuesday, commissioner Adam Silver commended Collins for his efforts both on and off the court.
“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” Silver said in a statement. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”
Collins played 13 years in the NBA, eight of which were with the Nets.