Opinion

Setting records in sports: Does coming out count?

The Issue: The announcement by NBA player Jason Collins that he is gay, a first for the league.

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Thank you, Jason Collins (“Collins Says ‘Mind-boggling’ To Be First Athlete To Come Out During Career,” April 30).

I am glad it was you who broke the barrier that took too long to be broken. I admire your courage.

I admire that you are not a point guard. I admire that you are tackling more stereotypes than you imagined would be the case by coming out.

I am glad that people will get to know you better. I am glad that you will be contributing to the discussions on civil rights, gay marriage and whether anyone really has a chance against the Miami Heat.

We have become better today as a result of your move. Congratulations to you and us all.

Len Blaifeder

Wayne, NJ

Commenting on his recent coming out, Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, told Sports Illustrated: “I’ve endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie.”

They say confession is good for the soul, and that the first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem.

It isn’t Collins who has the problem, but all those Bible-thumping homophobes out there who think it’s their business to mind everyone else’s business.

They’re the same people, remember, who went after poor Bill Clinton with pitchforks and subpoenas because he had an affair and lied about it.

It’s difficult enough to live with a lie — try convincing millions of people that it’s the truth.

Joe Prussing

Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Something is wrong when you are called an American hero for doing nothing more than coming out as gay.

Thus, the first out pro-basketball player receives favorable publicity, which he had never received for his abilities.

Will Collins finally be able to sell his jersey?

Mike Latzer

Closter

The president of the United States calls a professional athlete to commend his sexuality?

Are you kidding me?

Did he call the families of the police in Boston?

Disgraceful.

Michael Gleeson

Williston Park