Jason Collins shares his coming out experience in a media firestorm in hour long chat

At last week's 2014 National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association summit, ESPN NBA editor Kevin Arnovitz sat down with out NBA-er Jason Collins for an extended chat on his experience with the media while coming out in the major leagues.

Collins became the first openly gay active NBA player and he joined the Brooklyn Nets in February 2014.

During the lengthy discussion (over an hour), Jason was warm, candid, and laughed quite a bit as he shared his thoughts on the process of coming out in a media firestorm, what the landscape for out athletes looks like now, plus what the future hold for him.

Before his coming out announcement, Jason credited media training where he learned to pivot from awkward questions, and to not "give any additional ammunition" to "the haters."

Jason also shared this for those who are still in the closet: "When you do come out, your life is going to get much better."

Jason was more than generous with his time taking photos with everyone who approached him, and never looked like he was rushing the appearance at all.  He could not have been nicer.

And props to Arnovitz for his excellent Q&A plus follow-up.  Nice to see someone who knows what they're doing.

I didn't start recording until ten seconds into Jason's first comment - my apologies. The recording begins as Jason talks on discussions he had with his Stanford college roommate U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-Massachusetts, (who is not gay) about his first thoughts on coming out.

Brookly Nets nab spot in playoffs with out Jason Collins

Beating the Houston Rockets at home last night by a score of 105-96, the Brooklyn Nets picked up a spot in the playoffs.  This was the Nets 14th straight win at home.

The win was particularly sweet as the Nets had not beaten the Rockets at home since 2003.

While direct credit can't be attributed solely to openly gay Nets' player Jason Collins,  the current winning streak certainly quiets skeptics who warned that a gay player would be a distraction and detrimental to a team's performance.

And there you have it.  Out and winning.  That's Jason Collins.

Got Nets!

Brooklyn Nets tie franchise record with 13 straight home wins

Openly gay Brooklyn Nets' Jason Collins

For a team that started 10-21, things have really turned around for the Brooklyn Nets, who could find themselves in the playoffs this season.

Hmmm, now what's changed lately with the Brooklyn Nets.  Let me think now...

Brooklyn Nets to sign Jason Collins to second 10-day contract

The Associated Press is reporting that the Brooklyn Nets plan to keep out NBA-er Jason Collins around for a while longer:

The Nets plan to sign Collins to a second 10-day contract, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

Collins signed his original deal on Feb. 23, becoming the NBA's first openly gay player, and it expires Tuesday.

The Nets then will re-sign him for another 10 days on Wednesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the plans haven't been made public.

After that, the Nets would have to sign him for the rest of the season if they wanted to keep him.

Excellent news!

You can see Jason debut on home court to a standing ovation by the crowd below.

Go Jason! Go Nets!

Out NBA athlete Jason Collins signs his contract with Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jason Kidd as NBA player Jason Collins signs his contract

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has issued a press release on the signing of Jason Collins to the Brooklyn Nets:

"The return of Jason Collins to the Nets franchise is a milestone for all Brooklynites to celebrate.

"He began his career with this team, helping it win its first Eastern Conference titles in back-to-back seasons, and was beloved by teammates and fans for his professionalism and leadership.

"Last year, he became the first active male athlete in one of America’s four major professional sports to publicly identify as gay. In doing so, he became a trailblazer for the LGBT community and a role model for every community, especially our young people.

"Today, Brooklyn is truly proud to be Jason’s hometown team, as he has brought us pride both on and off the court. I wish him the best of success in helping to bring our borough its first sports championship in 59 years. Let’s go Nets!"