His act is also positive for society. As you know, one of the big controversies in USA is about discrimination against homosexuals. In America, some states have agreed to themarriage of homosexuals, but it is not enough. Because many states still do not agree to it. And also at that time, the legal policy in Arizona which could make the law against homosexual was just before passing. But, after coming out of Jason Collins, there was once a big movement which denies about this law in Arizona. Somepeople in the movementheard the story aboutthe back number of Collins and touched by his act. The story is that, in 1998, there was notorious anti-gay hate crime. Matthew Shepard, who was student in University of Wyoming, found beaten and tied on the fence. Few days later, he died. Matthew Shepard was homosexual and maybe that is why he was beaten and tied. For his death, Jason Collins decided his back number as 98, the year when Matthew passed away. As this news announced, many citizens in USA are touched by his story. So there was a big movement to deny that policy all over in the USA. EvenPresident Obama also said to him"What you did today was brave. I'm proud of you." President meant that act of Collins will give positive impact on America and discrimination against homosexuals should be eliminated.
After Collins’ coming out, it is not such a big impact which could be possible to notice, but his act caused some little influence on and off the court. At first, many people thought the coming out of Collins would make it difficult for him to play in the NBA anymore. And actually, after his coming out, not even one team did not call him for a long time. Maybe, many teams want to keep a distance with him. Because he was already senior player in the NBA, but the most difficult thing to him is the name called “Gay Basketball player”. He gets his team now anyway. But Jason Collins is still facing prejudice, stereotype and ridiculous criticism. However, Jason Collins is not alone anymore. The voice of people who give courage and admiration to him is getting bigger and bigger. He will go on his own way no matter what happens.
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