Jason Collins, who returned to the NBA
on Sunday with the Brooklyn Nets, says players treat him the same.
Collins came out gay last year on the
cover of Sports Illustrated and
became the first open gay active player in the NBA when he
signed a 10-day contract with the Nets.
“It's the same,” Collins told CNN's
Rachel Nichols. “It's the same environment. Everything's the
same.”
“Like I said before, 12 years in the
NBA, not a problem, not an issue. Year 13, not a problem not an
issue. Same old, same old,” he said with a laugh.
The 35-year-old Collins added that he
had joined a “fraternity” with “other athletes who sort of are
in the same position as I am.”
“So many great athletes that I've met
along my journey. It's really great to hear each others' stories and
inspire each other,” Collins said.