My two Cents: Jason Collins

On Monday, Jason Collins, center in the NBA announced that he’s gay. Even though Collins has received positive support from various sources including professional athletes, celebrities, and even The President, overall reactions to his declaration have been mixed. Many have praised the athlete for his bravery; others have raged against the emphasis that has been put on this event.

Some have argued that by revering Collins for publicizing his sexual orientation, we are taking a step back in the human rights movement. Why should his sexuality be news at all? Many have suggested that by celebrating Jason Collins we are acknowledging that homosexuality is not an accepted part of our every day society.

Infuriated journalists ranging from sportscasters to political commentators have all weighed in on the subject. ESPN recently issued an apology in response to anti-gay comments made on air by sports reporter Chris Broussard during a segment on the NBA player. Ben Shapiro, editor of the conservative news site Breitbart.com took to Twitter to sarcastically muse, "So, Jason Collins is a hero because he’s gay? Our standard for heroism has dropped quite a bit since Normandy."

Jason Collins may not be a war veteran but he has undoubtedly shown great bravery this week. He spoke up when no one else was willing to. He did not have to share this aspect of his personal life with the world, and yet he did.  In doing so he subjected himself to harsh criticism and general negativity. Instead of lashing out at his critics or standing on a soapbox, the athlete simply focused on the positive support surrounding his admission.

I think that Jason Collins’ announcement is an encouraging step towards progress. Perhaps someday a person’s sexual preference won’t be newsworthy, but today it is. Personally I respect Mr. Collins candor. He is setting an example and acting as a role model not just for athletes, but for everyone to stand up and be themselves no matter the consequences.

So what’s the verdict? Is Jason Collins a hero or is the media simply turning his announcement into a bigger deal than it actually is? Whatever your opinion on the subject may be, the truth is this: Collins made history on Monday. He is the first openly gay pro athlete to address his sexuality publicly while still actively playing a sport. Whether this will have any impact on the future of professional sports is something we will have to wait to find out.

In the meantime, Collins’ words have already begun to have an effect on the world. Suddenly an industry that previously had been tight lipped on the subject of homosexuality was forced to acknowledge that once of its own is gay. Viewers checking their daily scores were instead presented with clips of a respected sports star sharing information that he decided should no longer be kept a secret. Personally I have already seen how his words have changed people’s perspective.

Tuesday, while hanging posters at work, I watched as a young man sat in front of a TV screen engrossed in a report on Collins. During the interview, Jason Collins acknowledged that he had worn the number 98 in 38 NBA games last season. He revealed that it was his silent tribute to Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old gay student who was brutally beaten and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998.

 As I rearranged the announcement board in front of me, I heard the young man say, “holy shit.” I turned around to see that the he had a look a shock on his face. “Did you know that happened? That’s sick.” I did know it happened. I followed the Matthew Shepard story since its occurrence. Unfortunately, not many people are eager to rehash our country’s dark history with homophobia.

Yet, there I was on a Tuesday afternoon, 15 years later, hearing Matthew Shepard’s name in the media once more. Who knows how many people learned about his battle for the first time this week, all because of an NBA player? Jason Collins’ announcement may be a mere step on the long road toward acceptance, but it is a step nonetheless. And for now, I’ll take it.