Earlier on Sunday, he signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

 

Collins entered the court at the start of the second quarter in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

 

The 35-year-old centre, who has played for five other NBA teams, was given a warm reception by the crowd.

 

He only revealed he was gay in a Sports Illustrated² magazine interview last April.

 

At the time he was not signed to a team.

 

Needing another big man, the Nets turned to the seven-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.''

 

The news comes as Michael Sam, another US sportsman who recently revealed he is gay, prepares to take part in American Football's NFL Scouting³ Combine - a showcase of college players looking to be signed by NFL teams.

 

Last May, Los Angeles Galaxy⁴ footballer Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay male athlete to play in a US professional league.

 

However Major League Soccer is not regarded as one of the four main sports competitions in the US.

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