US basketball player Jason Collins comes out as gay

NBA player Jason Collins has made US history today by coming out as gay.

He becomes the first male from a major team sport in America to come out as gay. Collins, who recently played for the Washington Wizards, confirmed his sexuality in Sports Illustrated in which he opened with saying  “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

His announcement has seen praise come from former US President Bill Clinton and the NBA Commissioner David Stern who said “…we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”

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.

Now I’m a free agent, literally and figuratively. I’ve reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer.

My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful. – Jason Collins

To read his full article on coming out, click here

In the UK former Leeds United football player Robbie Rogers announced online in February that he is gay, while also noting that at just 25 he is also to retire from the sport.

Rogers is just one of a small number of footballers who have publicly noted their sexual persuasion. Olivier Rouyer came out in 2008 and Anton Hysen in 2011. Hysen is currently the only professional player to be ‘out’.

Justin Fashanu was the first in 1990 to to announce he was gay while still a player, he committed suicide eight years later when unfounded allegations of a sexual assault were reported to police.