Listen Live
Fantastic Voyage Generic Graphics Updated Nov 2023
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE

Newly out NBA baller Jason Collins sat down for a 90-minute interview on Sunday night’s episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter.” Collins said he’s proud to be the first active male athlete in a major U.S. sport to come out as gay, but he still wants to keep his private life, well, private.

“I’m making a big declaration, but also trying to remain as private in my private life as possible,” he said, after revealing that he decided to wait until the end of the season to disclose the news. “I think you more than most can attest to, ‘Yes, you’re a public figure, but we have private lives.”

MUST READ: Oprah Scores Interview With Jason Collins

When Oprah asked how he plans to “first step out with a partner” with his “7-foot self,” he said “I’m going to try.”

“But now, I know, I don’t have to worry when I do step out. I won’t be outed. I’ve already raised my hand in the classroom and said yes,” he said.

The 34-year-old athlete went on to say that he was in “so much angst” about “making a decision like this.” But, he is extremely grateful to have  a supportive family.

Collins’ parents Paul and Portia also spoke to Oprah. They admitted they were shocked by the news but still wholeheartedly supported him.

“Part of the process, after he told us, was to go home and kind of let it resonate, for the two of us to talk about it,” Portia said. “And on the way home we called him. And on the way home we said, ‘We love you.’”

His father said he was forced the change his thoughts of Jason’s future. “You have these things [that you think about]: ‘He’ll eventually get married.’ ‘He’s waiting for the end of his career to do that,’ ” Paul said. “And you just expect that that’s going to happen. ‘He’ll have children,’ and whatever it might be. And then … you change from that.”

Other guests on the show included his twin brother Jarron Collins, sister-in-law Elsa Collins, and aunt Teri Jackson, the first family member he came out to.

According to the Associated Press, he’s currently seeking a book deal for a memoir.

Check out the interview below and tell us what you think.

RELATED STORIES

AM BUZZ: Tia Mowry Dishes On Keeping Romance Alive, First NBA Player Announces He’s Gay & More

Mister Cee Responds To Male Prostitute Arrest: ‘I Am Not Gay’

Check Out This Gallery

Jason Collins Tells Oprah Why He Decided To Go Public With His Sexuality  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com