Tag Archives: jason collins

Jason Collins ’97, First Openly Gay NBA Player – TSC009



In 2014, Jason Collins ’97 became the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major team sports. In this episode, Jason talks about why the NBA is ahead of other leagues in terms of advocacy and activism, how the language we use around LGBTQ+ issues has far-ranging impact, and about the courage he summoned in 2013 to come out publicly in a Sports Illustrated cover story. Jason also discusses his years at Harvard-Westlake and Stanford, guarding Shaquille O’Neal, the leadership of Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett, and why he idolizes Martina Navratilova. In addition to crediting his family for their unwavering support, Jason references Westlake and Harvard-Westlake teacher Joannie Parker as a profound educational influence.