Collins’ Nets jersey sale proceeds to go to gay rights groups | Inquirer Sports

Collins’ Nets jersey sale proceeds to go to gay rights groups

/ 05:11 PM March 01, 2014

Screengrab from https://store.nba.com/

NEW YORK — The NBA said Friday it will donate all proceeds from the sale of Brooklyn Nets jerseys that once belonged to Jason Collins to two gay rights groups.

Collins became the first openly gay, active male athlete in one of the four major North American professional team sports Sunday, when he signed as a free agent with his original team, the Nets.

Article continues after this advertisement

His jersey has quickly risen to the number one spot on the top-selling jersey list at NBAStore.com.

FEATURED STORIES

Collins chose to wear the number “98” in honor of Matthew Shepard, a college student who was murdered in 1998 in an anti-gay hate crime.

Collins met with Shepard’s parents and brother in Denver after the Nets played the Nuggets there on Thursday night.

Article continues after this advertisement

The NBA said it would give the proceeds of the Collins jersey sales — to exceed $100,000 — to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Article continues after this advertisement

In addition, the league will auction off Collins’ autographed, game-worn jerseys to benefit the same organizations.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I’m thrilled to work with the league to support two fantastic organizations,” Collins said, praising their work on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

Collins, 35, was a free agent when he announced at the end of last season that he is gay. He remained unsigned until the Nets inked him to a 10-day contract Sunday.

Article continues after this advertisement

The team can sign him to a second, consecutive 10-day contract before deciding if they want to keep him for the rest of the season.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Brooklyn Nets, charity, gay, Gay rights, Gender issues, Jason Collins, NBA, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.