It's a first for the National Basketball Association.<br/> <br />Openly gay veteran NBA player Jason Collins has signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.<br/> <br />He publicly revealed that he was gay last April to the Sports Illustrated magazine but that was after the regular NBA season had ended.<br/> <br />Collins was at the game between the Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) NBA PLAYER JASON COLLINS SAYING:<br/> <br />"Right now, I'm focused on trying to learn the plays, learn the coverages, the game plan assignment. I don't have time to really think about history right now. I just have to focus on my job tonight."<br/> <br />NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a welcoming statement, saying "everyone in the NBA family is excited for him."<br/> <br />Collin's isn't a huge sports star, per-se, but he won widespread praise among gay right activists for his groundbreaking personal statement, back when he had not been signed.
