Jason Collins Signs With Nets And Becomes First Openly Gay Active Player In NBA History [View all]
Source: Huffington Post
The Huffington Post | by Chris Greenberg
Posted: 02/23/2014 3:26 pm EST Updated: 02/23/2014 5:59 pm EST
Jason Collins is making a historic return to the NBA.
The 35-year-old NBA veteran is set to become the first openly gay professional athlete to compete in any of the four major North American team sports leagues -- NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA -- after signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The landmark signing was announced by Nets general manager Billy King on Sunday afternoon and comes 10 months after Collins came out. With the Nets in Los Angeles to face the Lakers, King indicated that Collins will be available to play on Sunday evening.
The 7-foot center brings size to a roster lacking frontcourt depth since trading away forward Reggie Evans at the NBA trade deadline earlier this month. Collins has career averages of 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He posted career-best averages of 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds during the 2004-2005 campaign with the Nets. Known as a rugged interior defender, he also led the NBA in personal fouls (322) that season.
"The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," King said in a statement announcing Collins' signing. "We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract."
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/23/jason-collins-nets-gay-nba-player_n_4843591.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics
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