Jason Collins Through the Years

Jason Collins Through the Years

Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated

NBA center Jason Collins became the first active player in a major American sport to announce that he is gay. Collins, 34, who played this season for the Celtics and Wizards, made the revelation in the May 6 issue of <italics>Sports Illustrated</italics>.

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Jason Collins and his twin brother, Jarron, pose in a casual portrait while at Stanford in 2001.

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St. Joseph's Marvin O'Connor (11) faces the twin wall of Stanford's Jason (34) and Jarron (31) Collins during the second round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament. The Collins twins were both selected in the 2001 NBA Draft.

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Jason Collins rises for a shot during a 2003 game. Collins was a key piece of the Nets' frontcourt for seven seasons.

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The Nets' Jason Collins battles for a rebound against the New York Knicks in a 2004 playoff game.

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The Nets' Jason Collins boxes out the Heat's Shaquille O'Neal during a 2005 playoff game. Collins frequently guarded Shaq over the course of his career. In his <italics>SI</italics> story, Collins said, "Note to Shaq: My flopping has nothing to do with being gay."

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Jason Collins, seen here playing with Memphis, is defended by the Clippers' Al Thornton and Chris Kaman during a 2008 game in Los Angeles.

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Jason Collins, seen here with the Minnesota Timberwolves, shoots against the Magic's Dwight Howard during a 2008 game.

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Jason Collins, playing with the Hawks, reacts during a game against the Magic in 2010.

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The Hawks' Jason Collins and Al Horford battle for a rebound against Brandon Bass of the Magic during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round in 2011.

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Jason Collins, playing with the Celtics, brings down a rebound against the Bobcats' Brendan Haywood in 2013.

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Jason Collins was traded from the Celtics to the Wizards in February 2013.

Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated

"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport," Jason Collins said. "But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation."

Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated

"I go against the gay stereotype," Jason Collins said, "which is why I think a lot of players will be shocked: That guy is gay?"

Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated

"I'm glad I can stop hiding and refocus on my 13th NBA season," Jason Collins said. "I've been running through the Santa Monica Mountains in a 30-pound vest with Shadow, the German shepherd I got from Mike Miller."

Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated

"I've been asked how other players will respond to my announcement," Jason Collins said. "The simple answer is, I have no idea. I'm a pragmatist. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst."