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Conversation Started: First Major Active American Pro Athlete Reveals He's Gay

Washington Wizards center Jason Collins just made history after revealing that he's gay, making him the first major active American male pro athlete to come out of the closet.

Collins, who's been playing in the NBA since 2001, revealed the news in an article for Sports Illustrated, saying, "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. 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," he added.

"I'm glad I can stop hiding and refocus on my 13th season," Collins said.