Anyone who follows sports knows that the news du jour on Monday morning was the revelation that longtime NBA journeyman Jason Collins has stepped forward as the first active gay male athlete in a major sports league. He opened up about his sexuality in an article that he wrote himself (with the aid of Franz Lidz) for Sports Illustrated.
[Jason Collins reveals he is gay.]
Nearly everyone has been caught up in all of the seriousnes over Collins’ announcement—many teammates (former and recent), other NBA athletes, as well as other prominent celebrities (in sports, entertainment and politics) have come forward with words of support and affirmation.
JE Skeets of The Basketball Jones, however, has pointed out Collins’ own written admission to being a basketball goon.
In the article, Collins discusses the idea of being labeled now that he has gone public with his sexuality.
I don’t want to be labeled, and I can’t let someone else’s label define me. On the court I graciously accept one label sometimes bestowed on me: ‘the pro’s pro.'”
He goes on to explain what makes him the “pro’s pro.” [Emphasis is blue.]