A biography for Jason Collinshasn’t been written yet.
“I'm an NBA player.”
“My dream was to play in the NBA and live my authentic life as a proud gay man at the same time. I was able to accomplish both of those goals because of the people who have supported me throughout my life.”
“I check into the game and the ref cleans the whistle off, 'OK 98s coming in.' I'm one of those players that's physical and I use my fouls.”
“The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. 'I've known you were gay for years,' she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin.”
“My role is to be ready. I never know what night my name and number is going to be called, but my job is to go out there, be physical, play solid defense, and contribute on the offensive end whenever possible.”
“I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want.”
“I think the country is ready for supporting an openly gay basketball player.”
“Anytime you lose a lot of weight you're going to feel lighter on your feet.”
“As professional athletes, we're used to inspiring the next generation, people who are younger than us.”
“I would love to see an athlete live their life in an authentic way, not feel that they have to hide, not feel that they have to be afraid, or live with shame - all the other things that go with being a closeted athlete. No human being should have to walk that path. But there is that fear of stepping forward.”
“If I'm not scoring, I better do something on the offensive end.”
“I've definitely had people come up to me and say that they came out because they saw or read my story.”
“I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones.”
“I want to be able to go on a date, hang with all of my friends, and not be outed on someone else's terms by some reporter.”
“Injuries are part of the game; you've got to play through them.”
“I've been playing basketball for a long time.”
“Having a twin, you always have to share.”
“I don't blend in.”
“I know some people will roll their eyes at this, but it's not like you can totally put academics on pause during March Madness (well, maybe at some schools). At Stanford, you had to handle your business.”
“I'm a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall.”