Jason Collins, Openly Gay and Still Unsigned, Waits and Wonders

[n2doc]

By HARVEY ARATON
Published: October 10, 2013
LOS ANGELES — Since making the announcement last spring that he is a gay professional basketball player, Jason Collins has been widely praised, received much support and made many new friends. But with training camp for a new season under way, he has been waiting for a call from an N.B.A. team. Any N.B.A. team.


When Collins, 34, a 7-foot center, wrote his coming-out cover story for Sports Illustrated — “my declaration,” he said — he proudly spoke of having been called a pro’s pro for his team-first, lunch-pail style. Never a star, he has nonetheless had a career spanning 12 years and 6 teams after four years at Stanford, where he played with his twin, Jarron.

“That’s how I still consider myself,” he said Wednesday in his first interview since N.B.A. training camps opened last month without his participation. “Sure, I’ve picked up another title. But I feel that’s always who I’m going to be — that person who sets a good example, who represents the sport and is an asset to my team and a role model for other players.”

The question Collins has to ponder is why he has not been signed as a free agent. Is it because he is at best a marginal player with modest career statistics (3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds a game) nearing the end of his career, one who would cost more than a younger player based on the league’s collectively bargained pay scale? Or is there something more sinister at work related to the new role he would play?

more
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/sports/basketball/jason-collins-openly-gay-and-still-unsigned-waits-and-wonders.html?hpw&_r=0

[NCLefty]

1. I don't know if he'll ever play again, but it was still matters that he came out.

Young black men need more role models like this.

[rocktivity]

2. I know no one likes an I-told-you-so

But while I'm saddened, I'm not shocked:

Posted on DU 4/2/2013:

You've done the right thing, but at the wrong time. You think the NBA players and management are happy that people are talking about you when they're supposed to be talking about the post-season? Instead, I think you've just bought your OWN one-way ticket to becoming a "journeyman!"

And this on the heels of the article by now-unemployed pro-marriage equality NFL player Chris Kluwe, who says he lost his job over standing up for now-unemployed pro-marriage equality NFL player Brendon Ayanbadejo...hooray for me.



rocktivity

[Behind the Aegis]

3. No one likes Cassandra, that is part of the curse.

To be honest, though I didn't say anything at the time, I felt that way about Klewe, ESPECIALLY after this appearance on "Ellen!". I told my partner it didn't bode well. Sure, people are happy to see it, and sure there are always other reasons, but when given a reason like being gay or supportive of gays, well, that pink slip writes itself. You know there are several gay athletes watching this and shuddering in their closets, and that makes me sad.