Jason Collins is back in the NBA, having signed a 10 day contract with the Nets. Seems about right that a Brooklyn team breaks yet another barrier.
Such 10-day contracts are not uncommon for aging veterans; each team can sign a player for two such contracts, after which they must “fish or cut bait.” Collins should see a reasonable amount of playing time, filling the Nets’ need for a big man in the paint.
When Collins stepped on the court last week, an away tilt against the Lakers, the crowd welcomed him with warm applause. (There hasn’t been much else to cheer in Lakerland this year.) And that was that. The world did not end, the fans did not boycott, the earth did not open up. Much like “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the idea that professional athletes must remain closeted will now begin fading into the past; it will be a reminder of a less enlightened time, a historical curiosity, and nothing more.
Now the country awaits Arizona’s Governor, Jan Brewer, to see if she will sign into law a “religious freedom” bill, allowing businesses to deny service to gays if it violates their religious beliefs. Progress is piecemeal, but the tilt of history is certain. On the horizon? The Super Bowl is supposed to be in Arizona this year. Look (and hope) for a change of venue if the bill gets signed.