“I think it's up to the rest of us to try to create that environment where those closeted athletes out there know that when they do choose to step forward, that they will be supported and championed, and continue to play the sport, continue to evolve, and not feel that they have to hide who they are.”

American professional basketball player

Jason Paul Collins is an American former professional basketball player, known for his 13 seasons as an NBA center. He played college basketball at Stanford and was named a third-team All-American in 2001. Selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2001 NBA draft, Collins went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. His career was built around the center position, with Stanford and the NBA marking the main stages of his playing years.