Jason Collins: Sports Mirroring Society

Jason Collins (seen here on the right) is a hard-nosed defensive-minded player. By mariselise, via Wikimedia Commons

Jason Collins came out today. In a self-authored Sports Illustrated article, the 12-year NBA veteran out of Stanford laid-out his feelings about the subject as eloquently and thoughtfully as I think anyone can. His nuanced article is a must-read. Big props to Sports Illustrated for the story.

This story that came out on Grantland.com about a week ago, entitled “Brittney Griner and the Quiet Queering of Proessional Sports,” is also a must-read on the subject.

Sports are a mirror that reflects society’s values. Sometimes, sports can surprise you by being ahead of its time in advancing a social movement. Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier is probably an example of this. Other times, sports is completely tardy to catch-up to society — like in the case of African-American NFL and college football head coaches. Sometimes, though, the sports world seems to fit right with the times, and I think Jason Collins’ announcement is about as perfectly timed with a sociological change happening in this country as it could be.

I won’t pretend that everyone in our great country will be thrilled. In this time of debate about homosexual marriage rights, there are clearly people on both sides of the issue. Collins will definitely get some negative feedback. But I don’t think any negativity be as overwhelming as it would have been even three years ago. Every new generation of fans seems more and more accepting of the idea of a gay athlete. More importantly I think, new generations of players will also be good with it.

To be clear, Collins isn’t Jackie Robinson. There have already been gay players in the NBA for who-knows-how-long. Because being gay isn’t something as clearly visible to opposing players and fans, people will have to come to terms with homosexual teammates, opponents, and stars in different, more nuanced ways. How different fans, teammates, and people who work in basketball come to terms with homosexuality in sports will be an issue whose voice will increase exponentially over the next 1-5 years.

The thing is Jason Collins isn’t the first gay professional athlete. He is the first NBA, MLB, NFL, or NHL player to come out, though he won’t be the last. In twelve months I believe that there will be more — perhaps in each of these sports.

Here’s a thoughtful piece from ESPN’s LZ Granderson. In it, he touches on what will be the real advancing of this story:

Whether Collins gets to compete next year as the first truly active gay player is open for debate. He’s a free agent, so it’s not up to him, and there are enough questions — age and talent, specifically — that every team could justify passing on him for reasons that have nothing to do with his decision to come out.

Granderson’s point is well-taken. Collins is a player in his mid-30’s who may or may no be taken on by an NBA team.Reports are that whether he is good enough still to find a place on a roster next season is up for debate without him making this announcement. He’s been good enough for 12 years. I, for one, really hope an NBA team signs him and allows him to make it lucky 13.

Granderson’s final point is probably the best of the day. I call it the “so what?” reaction:

For now, the most concise and relevant assessment of Collins’ announcement came when former NBA player and coach Kurt Rambis called his son to tell him the news only to be met by a long pause on the other end.

Finally, his son said, “So?”

I think it was just the reaction Jason Collins was hoping for.