Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins, left, battles for a loose ball with Los Angeles Lakers guard MarShon Brooks during the first half of an NBA basketball an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Jason Collins made history Sunday night, becoming the first openly gay NBA player to hit the court.
Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the day and played in the team’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers later that night. The Nets went on to win 108-102 against the home team.
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Collins received loud applause from the crowd when he entered the game during the first half.
Collins made headlines in April 2013 when he revealed his sexuality in a first-person feature for Sports Illustrated. At the time, he was signed with the Washington Wizards.
Earlier this month, former University of Missouri defensive lineman — and potential NFL draftee — Michael Sam came out in separate interviews with The New York Times and ESPN. If drafted, he could become the football league’s first openly gay player.
