Proceeds from sales of Jason Collins
jerseys will be donated to LGBT groups, including the Matthew Shepard
Foundation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
(GLSEN), the NBA announced Friday.
Collins last week became the NBA's
first openly gay player when he signed a 10-day contract with the
Brooklyn Nets. Since then, Collins' No. 98 jersey has become the
NBAStore.com's most sought after item. The NBA said donations will
total no less than $100,000.
(Related: Jason
Collins: Teammates treat me the same.)
Collins chose the number 98 in memory
of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student who in 1998 was
beaten to death by two men he met in a gay bar.
On Thursday, Collins met with Shepard's
parents and presented them with an autographed No. 98 jersey.
“[Collins] is very kind, smart and
humble. It was delightful” meeting him, Judy
Shepard said.
Collins said that he is thrilled to
work with organizations that “work tirelessly to ensure LGBT youth
get the resources and assistance they need to be successful in life.”
Last year, GLSEN awarded its Courage
Award to Collins.
(Related: David
Stern presents Jason Collins with GLSEN Courage Award.)