The First Openly Gay NBA Player

It’s official, Jason Collins has announced he is gay.  This makes him the very first active NBA player to do so.   Collins has been in the NBA for many years and is currently playing with the Washington Wizards.  Since his announcement, Collins has received a huge amount of support and praise.  The NBA commissioner said,  “We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”  Michelle Obama exclaimed, “So proud of you, Jason Collins!  This is a huge step forward for our country.  We’ve got your back!”  Collins’ team, the Washington Wizards, stated, “We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly” (Yahoo).  TV analysts, radio anchors, announcers, and many other players have all be singing praises to Jason for his decision and lifestyle.  Many have been labeling his announcement as courageous, bold, and brave.

Is it really appropriate to call Jason Collins’ announcement “courageous”?  In other words, if someone announced to the world they were an alcoholic, a rapist, a drug addict, or a pedophile, would it be right to call that announcement courageous?  While it certainly would be difficult to make such a statement, the word “courageous” applies to something that is heroic, valiant, and admirable.  No sin has the right to claim these wonderful attributes.  And homosexuality is most definitely a sin according to God (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Leviticus 18:22, 29; 20:13; etc).  Jason Collins’ announcement may be many things, but courageous is not one of them.

Now let’s take a look at a statement that is truly courageous.  Chris Broussard is an ESPN analyst and writer.  Here was what he said on live TV about Jason Collins:  “I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle…If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin.  If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality…I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ” (ibid).

First of all, ever since Broussard made this statement, he has been heavily criticized.  Many are trashing Broussard and even calling for him to be fired.  ESPN responded to Chris’ statements by saying, “ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement” (Hollywood Reporter).  Second, and most importantly, what Chris Broussard said about homosexuality is completely accurate with Scripture (Look at the Scripture references above).

There is no telling what the repercussions will be for Chris Broussard.  He may lose his job or just some people’s respect.   No matter what happens, Christians should be applauding and supporting such a bold proclamation of God’s truth.  What Chris Broussard did can truly be labeled as courageous.  Even though so many around him disagree and have attacked him, he stood for what was right.

Let’s also have the courage to stand up and boldly speak the truth about homosexuality (Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10).