This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 8/21/2014.
After the 2012-13 NBA season concluded, Jason Collins sent shockwaves through the country coming out as gay. The Brooklyn Nets signed Collins to a 10-day contract on February 23 to make Collins the first publicly gay athlete to play in any of the four major sports. Collins’ first jersey number was 46 (only one available) but wore No. 98 the rest of the way in honor of Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of a hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998 for being openly gay. On 3/3/2014, Collins’ received his first minutes at the Barclays Center with minutes remaining against the Chicago Bulls. It was the home crowd’s first opportunity to show their support for Collins, and they did with enthusiasm as he checked in to a standing ovation from a sellout crowd of 17,732 fans with 2:41 remaining. Collins grabbed a rebound and had one steal. On the front left tail is an “adidas CLIMACOOL” size “3XL” manufacturer’s tag. Written on the tag is “3-3-14” in black pen. Attached is a “LENGTH +4”” flag tag. Adjacent is an “NBA BKN01499” swatch. On the left inseam is a size “3XL4” materials tag with washing instructions”. Inside the rear collar is a size “3XL4” tag. On the left chest is an official “NBA” logo embroidered. Across the front reads “BROOKLYN”. Across the back reads player name “COLLINS”. These are done in the same black tackle twill. Player number “98” appears on the front and on the back in black mesh with a black-stitched border on white tackle twill. Above the player name is a “B” logo disc patch. Collins signed the jersey inside the back player number “9” in silver pen and in our opinion rates a 4. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows appropriate use. Accompanied by an LOA from JSA and an LOA from NBA Entertainment validating it’s authenticity.