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So, Jason Collins is gay. Not sure if you heard. His revealing that is a pretty big deal in the world of sports, and I've been looking forward to seeing some Knicks offer their support. To me, the importance of Collins's announcement-- particularly with respect to all the younglings paying attention-- is followed closely by the affirmation of his peers, and I was thrilled to see some Knicks speak positively when asked about the topic at practice today. I was going to stick this in a "post-practice notes" thing, but I think it deserves separate recognition (that post with actual basketball stuff from practice will follow). Check it out:
Carmelo Anthony:
Melo on Collins: "You see everybody supporting his decision. I’m just glad he came out. A secret like that can eat you alive." #Knicks
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) April 30, 2013
Carmelo Anthony praised Jason Collins' decision to speak out: "It takes big balls to do that, especially (in) the society we live in."
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 30, 2013
Jason Kidd (Collins's former teammate in New Jersey):
Jason Kidd on ex-teammate Jason Collins: "It takes a lot of courage ... but it's just going to make the world a better place." #Knicks
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 30, 2013
More Kidd on JasonCollins:I was caught off guard...he called me in the morning...wanted to talk about it...I fully support his decison. #NBA
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) April 30, 2013
J-Kidd on JasonCollins:"Jason is a good friend of mine...teammate...a true professional, it takes a lot of courage to do what he did." #NBA
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) April 30, 2013
Kenyon Martin (ditto):
Kenyon on Jason Collins, his old teammate: "It takes a brave man. . . . He was my friend before. He'll still be my friend." #knicks #nba
— Mark Hale (@HaleMark) April 30, 2013
K-Mart on Jason Collins: It was huge for him to take this stand.Like he said in the article, somebody had to be the one to raise their hand.
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) April 30, 2013
And Mike Woodson, Collins's former coach in Atlanta:
Woodson on Collins: "Great deal of respect. I spoke to Jason yesterday and I have the utmost respect for him."
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) April 30, 2013
"The decision that he made, we got to live with it. That's his personal life. Life moves on. We got to move on. It's something we can't hide. It's out there. He was man enough to step forward to express his feelings about it. We all know now. He's going to live his life. I've got a game to win tomorrow in New York.'
Indeed. And on that note, look for a post in the very near future with more Knicks-centric stuff from today's practice. Just thought all that was worth broadcasting. Good shit, Knicks. There's still hatred and misunderstanding out there-- a lot of it, and some from at least one person within the organization-- but this means a lot.