With the signing of Jason Collins to the Brooklyn Nets as the first openly gay player, Collins says he has been the target of gay slander.
According to the Daily News, Collins says he was tried during his first month with the Brooklyn Nets by an opposing player who he labels a 'knucklehead.'
"One player, one knucklehead from another team," Collins said. "He's a knucklehead. So I just let it go. Again, that goes back to controlling what you can control. That's how I conduct myself just being professional."
As Collins travels to conservative states like Texas and North Carolina this weekend with his team, he wants to remain positive.
"As an individual, as a person, as a human being, you have a lot of different hats that you wear," he said. "Whether you're an athlete or a human being trying to empower and help others. I'm trying to, again, empower and help others any way that I can."
The basketball player hasn't had any issues with his teammates. Fans have embraced him, with his #98 jersey became the top seller on NBA.com. Collins also believes that his sexuality isn't a distraction, and hopes that other players see that they have nothing to hide.
"This shows that 'distraction' is B.S. That it's about the team, it's about the sport," said Collins. "I hope this shows all players that you can still have your life off the court and not have to hide anything."
Collins signed on for the rest of the season with the Brooklyn Nets last week.
Source: nydailynews.com
