NBA center Jason Collins on Monday announced that he’s gay in a story for Sports Illustrated, becoming the first active player in a major American team sport to announce that he is 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,” Collins wrote. “I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different.’ If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

via espn
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Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should amnesty Kobe Bryant (via Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas). Cuban has come under fire, but has since clarified he was using Bryant “as an example” (via ESPN.com).

Kobe had just two words for Cuban.

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1. What’s your take on Nash’s decision?

via espn

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: Surprising … and intriguing. There was so little buildup to it, it caught me off guard. Stunned that Nash and Kobe Bryant would team up, stunned that Phoenix would send him to a division rival. But I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on this team. Easy buckets for the big men, open jumpers for Kobe.

Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live: I think it’s a wise decision for Nash. I can’t fault a guy for wanting to stay as close to his family as possible. We often forget these guys have real lives and family to tend to when they’re not entertaining us on the court. I’m happy that he feels like he’s come to a good situation for his career and family.

As for Phoenix, Suns owner Robert Sarver continues to torture his fans. I’m kind of shocked they dealt him for two first-rounders who won’t be very high (presumably), and to sell that to the fans is just another aggravating move during his tenure.

Brian Kamenetzky, ESPNLos Angeles.com: I’m always impressed when players make family considerations and winning a top priority, as Nash seems to have done, but really I’m most impressed with Robert Sarver and Suns president Lon Babby. Yes, after everything he’s done for the Suns, Nash deserves to be traded where he asks to go, but it’s still tough/brave to trade him within the division. I’m curious how Phoenix sports radio reacts.

Ramona Shelburne, ESPNLos Angeles. com: I’m impressed. It says a lot about Nash’s character that he was willing to both play for a team he’s battled in the Western Conference and take less money to do so. A lot of players talk about taking less to chase a ring, very few actually do it.

Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com: It’s a great decision for Nash. He has every right to want to play for a contender at this point in his career. Of his options, the Lakers were the best contender at this point. Let’s remember that. Not saying his children weren’t a major factor, but it is convenient that the best chance for a title next year is also hour away from Phoenix by plane.

And bravo to the Suns’ front office, though my congratulations has nothing to do with the personal plea from Nash. It is vital to be unemotional in these situations and do what is best for the franchise. The Lakers’ offer trumped any Knicks package and is a million times better than Nash walking for nothing. Now they just need to be more prudent with how they use the trade exception after they pretty much botched the Amare Stoudemire exception in 2010 (See: Turkoglu, Hedo and Childress, Josh).

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Few public icons are more loved than THEE Michael Jordan and that’s a fact. Now imagine seeing his name on the waiting client list at your job or knowing that you’re going to meet him… exciting right!?! lol well what if you got this instead…
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The Champ isn’t just an inspirational song written by Nelly – it’s a video that’s being featured during ESPN’s exclusive coverage of 33 college football bowl games. This is the first time ESPN has ever done anything like this.

Watch the video HERE. How you feel? How you feel? *Drizzy voice*

HAYMAKERS GALORE AT THE RAIDERS/49ERS GAME..
BTW, this nonsense spilled over to the parking lot after the game…2 people were shot in seperate incidents. One of the guys was wearing a “F the hers T-shirt”.

WOMAN ACCIDENTALLY FLASHES THE CAMERA DURING A BASEBALL GAME.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES PLAYER CRUSHES AN ESPN CAMERA

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"Video: 19 inning game ends in a B.S. call by umpire + $1 mil a month for Kobe? ESPN the movie & a great soccer fight!"

What a great and inspirational interview! ESPN sat down with Beyonce and talked about who she relates to in the sports world, building endurance like an athlete would, and the perks of being married to JayZ as part New York Knicks owner.

WATCH CLOSELY IN THE BEGINNING, It’s my .0005 seconds of fame on ESPN’s Sports Center!