Jason Collins Announces He Is Gay, Making Him NBA's First Openly Gay Player

NBA star Jason Collins has announced that he is gay according to a report from CNN.

In a column set to appear in the upcoming edition of Sports Illustrated, Collins revealed the news that now makes him the first active openly gay player in the NBA.

Currently a free agent after completing his 13^th NBA season with the Washington Wizards, Collins has held previous jobs with the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.

With the news blasting across various television and radio outlets and many social media networks, the 34-year-old Collins has received support from all over, not just from within the league.

Former United States President Bill Clinton was one of the first to show his full support of Collins, noting on his Twitter page that he is proud to call Jason Collins a friend.

While Bill Clinton offered his kind words, fellow NBA player and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant took to his twitter account to show his appreciation for Collins and his announcement, telling others they shouldn't suffocate themselves over who they are because of the ignorace of others.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Collins noted that realizing and announcing his homosexuality wasn't always an easy thing to think about.

"Imagine you're in the oven, baking," Collins said in the interview. "Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know - I baked for 33 years."

In that same interview, Collins said the first family member he came out to was his aunt Teri. "I've known you were gay for years," his aunt responded upon his admission. The support from his aunt, Collins notes, gave him a sweet release from the pressures of concealing his identity.

Collins was selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA Draft. A career that has spanned 13 NBA seasons, the former Stanford Cardinal standout has averaged over 3 points and 3 rebounds per game for 6 different organizations. In 2002, Collins helped lead the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals in one of his finest seasons as a pro.

While the 2002-2003 campaign may have been his best, this announcement by Collins that he is a gay man currently playing in the NBA is tremendous. Wherever Collins signs on to play next season, he should be looked upon as a true role model by all people because he was not afraid to declare to the world who he truly is.

Jason Collins will also have an impact on many young men, women and athletes everywhere because of the courage he displayed.

Check out the cover for the May edition of Sports Illustrated featuring Jason Collins here.