Former Minnesota Timberwolves center Jason Collins announces he’s gay

Mar. 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Washington Wizards center Jason Collins against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Wizards defeated the Suns 88-79. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards center Jason Collins announced on Monday that he’s gay in a story for Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active player in a major American team sport to announce that he is gay.

"“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.“I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”"

Collins, 34, played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2008. He appeared in 31 games (21 starts) and averaged 1.8 points and 2.3 rebounds that season.