Wizards Center Comes Out As Gay

NBA veteran Jason Collins made headlines this morning, coming out as the first openly gay active player in the NBA. The seven footer has played twelve seasons in the NBA, and hopes to continue playing. Former teammates and coaches alike have been thoroughly supportive of his decision. NBA commissioner David Stern stated today through NBA.COM:
       
       "Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."

Jason Collins is the first openly gay active player in any of the four major U.S. Sports (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

Wizards Send Crawford To Celtics For Barbosa

The Washington Wizards have parted ways with Jordan Crawford, sending him to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Brazilian combo guard Leandro Barbosa and veteran center Jason Collins. Crawford had been averaging 13.2 points and 3.7 assists on the season. Meanwhile, Barbosa who's league minimum $1.2 million contract is expiring at season's end, will miss the remainder of this season due to a tear of his left anterior cruciate ligament. Collins, the former Stanford product who started his career with the New Jersey Nets, had been averaging 1.2 points in just over 10 minutes per game this season for the Celtics.

Jordan Crawford is heading to Boston

The Wizards acquired Leandro Barbosa and his expiring contract prior to Thursday's trade deadline. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Washington also received 12-year NBA veteran Jason Collins