In an article published in this week’s edition of Sports Illustrated, NBA veteran Jason Collins revealed his homosexuality, becoming the first openly gay active professional male athlete. Collins, a 34 year-old center, has been playing in the NBA for twelve years with six different teams. As stated in the most recent edition of SI, “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Collins’ story has been a growing sensation across the country, as millions have supported the player who has turned a bold decision into something that he wishes others would do as well. It has been debated for years as to how an active gay athlete would be treated by their peers in the locker room, but it appears that other NBA players across the country are in full support of Jason. After the announcement, Kobe Bryant tweeted “Proud of @jasoncollins34, Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU”.

Jason Collins’ story is one of courage and bravery, but his future as a professional athlete is in question. He is a free agent this summer, and it remains to be seen if a team will acquire the veteran for a veteran’s contract. Collins is thankful for the support he is getting right now, telling ABC’s George Stephnapolous in an interview on Good Morning America, “All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I’m not walking it alone.” While only time will tell if Collins is accepted as a homosexual professional athlete, his inspirational story will continue to influence our country.