Harvard-Westlake Alum Jason Collins Gets 10-Day Contract with the Nets

Harvard-Westlake School graduate Jason Collins will be the first openly gay player in any of the four major professional sports leagues when he puts on a Brooklyn Nets jersey today for a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center today.

The Nets signed Collins, an All-American collegiate basketball at Stanford University, to a 10-day contract today. Collins and his twin brother Jarron won two California Interscholastic Federation state titles while at Harvard-Westlake School, tucked in the Hollywood Hills above Studio City.

Today's game at Staples Center is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision,” said Nets General Manager Billy King, in a news statement. “We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract.”

Collins, 35, who came out in April, was selected in the first round with the 18th overall in the 2001 NBA draft began his career with the then-New Jersey  Nets. His NBA career included stops at the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

His career averages 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 points and 2.8 fouls in 20.8 minutes of play, according to  Brooklynnets.com.

“Jason told us that his goal was to earn another contract with an NBA team,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver in a news statement. “Today, I want to commend him on achieving his goal. I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful
environment.”