Magicgames II » . "I mean, I dont have to hide who I am and I can

LOS ANGELES -- History? Pressure? Jason Collins would have none of it after becoming the NBAs first active openly gay player. After all, it was almost game time. "Right now Im focusing on trying to learn the plays, learning the coverages and the game plan and the assignments. So I didnt have time to really think about history," Collins said at a crowded press conference less than an hour before his Brooklyn Nets faced the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Nets earlier Sunday and played in the first half against the Lakers, grabbing a rebound and committing a couple of fouls. The 35-year-old centre revealed at the end of last season he is gay, but he was a free agent and had remained unsigned. Collins said he was aware of the magnitude of his signing, but repeatedly said he was most concerned with learning the Nets schemes. "The pressure is playing in an NBA game tonight and last time I played in an NBA game was last April," Collins said. "So I think thats enough pressure right there." With a need for another big man, the Nets turned to the 7-foot Collins, who helped them reach two NBA Finals in the early 2000s. "The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," general manager Billy King said in a 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 has played 12 NBA seasons, including his first seven with the Nets, when they were in New Jersey and Jason Kidd was their point guard. Kidd is now the Nets coach and Collins has been a teammate of several other current Nets. "Jason told us that his goal was to earn another contract with an NBA team. 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," Commissioner Adam Silver said. The Nets worked out Collins during the All-Star break and met with him again Sunday, with his twin brother, Jarron, hinting that history would be made. "Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. Today should be a pretty cool day!" Jarron Collins wrote on Twitter. The news on Jason Collins comes as Michael Sam, the SEC co-defensive player of the year from Missouri who recently revealed he is gay, is taking part in the NFL draft combine. Sams on-field workouts in Indianapolis are scheduled for Monday. Collins was asked if he felt the tide is turning regarding gay players coming out, including Sam. "I hope so. What Michael said was it was about him being a football player and me being a basketball player, and going out there and trying to help our respective teams win," Collins said. He played 38 games last season with Boston and Washington and averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in limited minutes. For his career, the 7-foot Collins averages 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds. "Im a solid veteran, and hopefully Ill be in the right place" on the court, Collins said. "I know I can execute the game plan. Its just about focusing on the task at hand and not thinking about history or anything along those lines. I just want to make it difficult for the Lakers tonight." Collins entered the game with 10:28 left in the second quarter and the Nets leading 35-26 after Nick Young made the first of his two free throws. The crowd welcomed him with a nice ovation when public address announcer Lawrence Tanter announced his name. Collins announcement last spring was followed by numerous NBA players insisting he would be welcomed in the locker room. Collins has played for five other teams and is well respected inside and outside the league -- he attended the State of the Union as a guest of first lady Michelle Obama. "I just know Jason as a person and as a player. Thats what Im happy about. He has earned it. Hes a great guy. Its good for the league. The important thing is to judge him as a person and a basketball player," Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said. "I know people who have coached him, and I know how highly thought of he is." Former Suns player Kevin Johnson, now Sacramentos mayor, said he saw Collins two weeks ago at the White House "and I thanked him for his courage and being strong and wished him well and to keep fighting hard. "I think its incredible for him. I think its incredible for the league. If Im on the Nets, my commitment is I want to get in the playoffs and I want to go far. All that is fine but I need him to win games and I think hes up for that challenge." The Nets had an opening for a big man after trading Reggie Evans along with Jason Terry to Sacramento on Wednesday for guard Marcus Thornton. King said Thursday that Collins would be among the players they would look at, insisting they wouldnt be concerned about any extra attention the signing of Collins would provide. "Were going to bring in a basketball player," King said. "Its not about marketing or anything like that." The Nets posted a photo on their Twitter account of Kidd watching Collins sign his contract, encouraging followers to retweet it to welcome Collins to Brooklyn. Collins is third in Nets history with 511 games played, and also ranks in their top 10 in minutes played, and offensive rebounds and total rebounds. A limited offensive player, the Nets hope he still provides a presence defensively and on the boards. "I know Jason Collins is a competitor. One thing I know about him is he fouls very hard," Miamis Dwyane Wade said with a laugh. "Hes one of those tough veterans. Im sure hes happy to be back playing in the league. Welcome back." Since making his announcement last year, "Life is more exciting for me," Collins said. "I mean, I dont have to hide who I am and I can be my normal self. The past 10 months have been incredible. Im making new friends, hearing different peoples stories, sharing experiences. Its just been an overall positive." Collins grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and has a house here, so there was some normalcy to his day. "It was pretty easy for me just to come to the game tonight," Collins said, "drive down the 405, take the 10 and get here in 20 minutes." Warren Sapp Jersey . RAPTORS STRUGGLING: The bottom line is the true test in sports isnt just how you handle failure, but how you handle success. Ronde Barber Jersey . The two-time Olympic halfpipe gold medallist informed ESPN on Monday he plans to compete in Apsen, Colo. http://www.authenticbuccaneerspro.com/Customized/. The Twins announced Thursday the 28-year-old Albers cleared waivers. He will join the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys . -- Terry Francona likened the atmosphere at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to a playoff game in October. Jameis Winston Jersey . The government says top golfers are expected to compete in the PGA Tour event at the Ashburn Golf Club in the suburb of Fall River from July 3-6 and again next year.The Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings kicks off today, as the road to the Sochi Winter Olympics goes through Winnipeg for the nations best curlers. The winning mens and womens rinks after a week of competition will become Team Canada at the Winter Games in February. Dont miss todays broadcast as legendary Anchorman Ron Burgundy joins TSN broadcasters Vic Rauter, Linda Moore, and Russ Howard to call part of the opening draw. Watch the action live NOW. The first draw comes from the womens side with a featured match following Jennifer Jones against Chelsea Carey. The other six entrants on the womens side are Rachel Homan, Stefanie Lawton, Sherry Middaugh, Heather Nedohin, Renée Sonnenberg, and Val Sweeting. 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