Jason Collins on Saturday signed with
the Brooklyn Nets for the remainder of the season.
“It's cool,” Collins is quoted as
saying by ESPN.com.
“Thank you to the Nets organization, coaches and players, the team
is playing really well right now, and I'm glad to continue to be
here.”
In signing with the Nets, Collins, who
came out gay on the cover of Sports Illustrated last year,
became the NBA's first active openly gay player.
Collins was asked about comparisons
between him and Jackie Robinson, both of whom broke barriers in
Brooklyn, before playing his first at home game last week.
“I'm just trying to be Jason
Collins,” he answered. “What Jackie Robinson did for the sport
of baseball and our society [is] tremendous. But I am just trying to
be Jason Collins.”
Collins has also received warm ovations
from fans.