Jason Collins Comes Out As a Washington Wizard

Impact

Jason Collins, the 34 year-old journeyman NBA center, announced to Sports Illustrated that he is in fact a Washington Wizard. Collins is the first active player in NBA history to admit he is a member of that team.

"This was not an easy decision," Collins told Sports Illustrated. "When I signed with the Boston Celtics before the start of the season, I thought to myself, 'Ok, now here's a respectable team.' But then they traded me to Washington in February. Man was it tough. When I first put on that Wizards jersey, I knew who I was, but I just couldn't bring myself to admit it to anyone."

The Wizards finished the 2012-2013 season with a 29-53 record, coming in 12th in the Eastern Conference, continuing the team's ineptitude of recent years.

The reaction to Collins' announcement was mixed, but the responses were mostly positive.

"That's a brave man, right there," tweeted Kobe Bryant. "Props to Jason for comin out."

Celtics forward Paul Pierce spoke highly of his former teammate at practice on Monday. "I have all the respect in the world for Jason. He's a great competitor and someone who's comfortable in his own skin. Good for him."

Not everyone was so supportive of Collins, as Washington teammate John Wall condemned the announcement.

"That is just disgusting," said Wall. "Look, Jason can do whatever he wants in his personal life, but to broadcast it like he's proud of it sends the wrong message."

"What a Wiz," added Wall.