A final word on Jason Collins coming out. The true impact of his decision will be not just on us and how we changed to get here, it's how we will continue to change down the road when younger and more prominent gay and lesbian players come out of the closet. We will see this as Brittney Griner's career continues and how folks respond when we hear sexual jokes or just watch her adjust to a pro game.
I cautioned against comparing this to Jackie Robinson but I did use a lesson from Jackie to apply here. Jackie's success opened the door for better, younger players to come through. Players like Willie Mays. They still had to face racism through the 50's and 60's but at least they were able to show how great they were as players, not just Black faces.
Future gay athletes and future current ones who will come out will rise on Collins' shoulders. On Robbie Rogers' shoulders. They will honor the memory of Glenn Burke, who was ostracized from baseball after being a gay player on the Dodgers in the 1970's. They will continue what Martina Navratilova, Sheryl Swoopes, Megan Rapinoe and others have started.
Enjoy the video. For it is us who have to continue evolving as sports fans, not just athletes.
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