The Brooklyn Nets on Sunday signed
Jason Collins to a 10-day contract, nearly 10 months after he came
out gay on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
“RT to welcome @JasonCollins34 to
Brooklyn! #Nets,” the Brooklyn Nets tweeted along with a picture of
Collins signing his contract with head coach Jason Kidd.
Collins debuted for the Nets in
Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Right now I'm focusing on trying to
learn the plays, learning the coverages and the game and the
assignments. So I didn't have time to really think about history,”
Collins told reporters before the game.
“Jason told us that his goal was to
earn another contract with an NBA team,” NBA Commissioner Adam
Silver said in a statement. “Today, I want to commend him on
achieving his goal. I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for
him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful
environment.”
Michael Sam, the 24-year-old NFL
prospect who came out gay earlier this month, added his support.
“Congratulations to my friend
@JasonCollins34 – excited to see you do work out there #courage
#groundbreaking,” Sam tweeted.
(Related: Michael
Sam: I don't want to be Michael Sam the gay football player.)
Robbie Rogers, major league soccer's
first openly gay player, added: “Very excited to watch
@JasonCollins34 tonight more importantly I am proud to call him my
friend.”