Quick Thoughts: Jason Collins and another cultural barrier broken

The Brooklyn Nets made history today, whether that was their intention of not, by signing the 36-year old Jason Collins to a ten day contract.

Billy King of the Brooklyn Nets announced that it was a basketball decision and that he feels that Collins would be a solid addition to the Brooklyn Nets squad. The numbers are iffy in backing this up and it has left a good amount of fans scratching their heads at this signing. While nobody wants to say it, there a few that believe this could be Public Relations move, even if not entirely.

No matter how you want to look at it, it's incredibly hard to not link Jason Collins to his sexuality and how it plays a role in the NBA. Players have said they would have no problems, and that they would embrace the new member to their squad with open arms. But despite their nonchalant attitude, it's quite clear that Collins' signing is making history not only in basketball but for major sports across the continent. Being the first openly gay player to play and be accepted is nothing to scoff at.

This is the second time Brooklyn has broken barriers, but this one is going to be a much easier transition. Society has allowed this issue to become one where if you don't accept someone who is a bit different in their preferences, you get looked down upon. Obviously not everyone is like that, and a lot of people have no issues with Collins' preference and are genuinely happy that he's able to play despite this cultural barrier.

To compare this to Jackie Robinson's breakthrough is much different though. African Americans in general were looked down upon by the fans at that time. In this day and age, you won't be finding many fans who will dislike Collins merely because he likes a gender different than they would prefer.

Another difference is that Jackie Robinson was very, very good at his sport. Jason Collins... not so much.

It's great that Jason Collins is able to play in the league and that, as of now, is being accepted by other NBA players without conflict. If anything its a testament to how far society has come. Ten years ago, Collins would have been slandered for not just playing as a gay athlete, but just for being gay in the first place. Now, things are different.

Don't think for one second though that the Brooklyn Nets do not what they just threw themselves into. For the next few weeks they will be surrounded by a media whirlpool who are looking to grasp any and every detail about Collins and his interaction with other players. Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Jason Kidd; nobody will be spared, and it's merely because Collins is a bit different. Williams stated before that the team would be ready to handle it.

Basically, Jason Collins broke the weakest sports cultural barrier to date.

That isn't to say what has happened is not an accomplishment in itself. It's huge. It's shown whoever follows sports that society has become accepting of differences and that it isn't a huge deal, which it should not. Collins was the first to do so, and just for being that gives reason for incredible praise and respect.

The hardest part moving forward will come from anyone who dares to step up and oppose, and the media.

I'm not going to talk about if Collins will actually be able to help the Brooklyn Nets at all. He's reported in incredible shape, he has leadership skills that not many will dismiss despite his sexuality, and he has played alongside Kidd for years. In fact, Kidd supposedly was the one who said to look at Collins. The Nets needed rebounding and athleticism. In return, they got intangibles and help on defense. If you think about it, that isn't too bad of an addition. That is, if Collins can still produce.

Ten days is what Collins has to prove to the NBA. Success on his part will lead to success for him, the Nets, and the NBA as a whole. Failure on his part will only lead to future problems on his part in terms of looking for another contract. Regardless of the outcome, Collins has managed to walk through the cultural barrier without much issue.

Hopefully it stays that way.

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