#NBA

#NBA

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center,” his essay begins. “I’m black. And I’m gay.” Those words made my stomach sink. “I’m a 20-year-old sportswriter, “ I thought to myself. “I’m gay, too. But I’m too scared to come out.” Up until that point, I thought I could separate my sexuality from my life passion. Collins' announcement shattered that myth.

“I'm a 34-year-old NBA center,” Mr. Collins wrote in April 2013. “I'm black. And I'm gay.” The statement was both unsentimental and seismic. In a sports culture that had long treated homosexuality in male locker rooms as taboo, Mr. Collins became the first openly gay man on a major professional American team sport. In breaking a barrier that had stood for generations, he transformed from a largely anonymous role player into a historic figure.

When Michael called and told me I got the job... I started crying. I broke down... because this organization means so much to me.

"We're going to keep all of those conversations private. I spoke to him throughout the season and at the end of the season. The good thing is he's under contract, so that's also something we can talk about at the end of next season."

Thibodeau has experienced plenty of success during his head coaching tenure, which kicked off with a similarly successful five-season run with our Chicago Bulls. All told, his Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Knicks clubs logged a cumulative 578-420 regular season record and a 48-55 playoff record, including two East Finals berths.