I hope what I'm what about to write makes sense. Tell me if it doesn't.
It seems like Jason Collins and the 3 NFL players who've been passionate advocates for gay rights have something in common.
Jason Collins is at the end of his career, or near the end.
Brendon Ayanbadejo is at the end of his career, or near the end. (He was cut by the Ravens and was born the same year as Peyton Manning.)
Chris Kluwe is at the end of his career, or near the end (Vikings just drafted a punter).
Scott Fujita, who grabbed headlines for his advocacy thanks to the Saints Super Bowl win, just retired.
Yeah, I know that in Ayanbadejo and Fujita's case they've been advocating* on behalf of gay rights for 5 years or so.
(And I'm pointing to players who are/were advocating. Ed Reed says he wouldn't care if he had a gay teammate. So would many NBA stars -- see above! -- but I'm specifically talking about headline-making advocates.)
Anyways, my point is it would be great and more effective if some player in their early to mid-20s either 1) were as passionate as the above 3 NFL players or 2) came out.
That is harder to do when you're trying to establish yourself in the league.
It also would, of course, be more effective if it was a star player.
I'm not saying Collins isn't brave for coming out, but the stakes aren't as high for him because of his age. And now he's a household name.
