Jason Collins has received more support than criticism since he came out as openly gay on Monday, but there will still be a number of obstacles he will face going forward. During an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” on Tuesday, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry commended Collins for having the “courage” to come out, but also touched on what could become a sticky subject.
While Curry was quick to note that he would never judge someone based on their sexual orientation, he did mention how there would have to be a discussion between Collins and his teammates about how his situation affects the locker room.
“You’d have to think about it, for sure,” Curry said. “Just because you haven’t really crossed that situation before and now it’s in the open. You want everybody to be on the same page about it in the locker room so that there aren’t any underlying problems. I think it’s a conversation that everybody can have.”
Patrick then asked Curry what would happen if the Warriors were to sign Collins next season.
“I think he’s confident enough now to sit in the locker room and have a conversation about if there’s any problems with any individual player … how to make everybody comfortable,” Curry added. “But also not to infringe on any of his rights as well. I don’t know how it would go because the conversation hasn’t happened yet.”
Curry makes a valid point. His opinion is nothing like the one Mike Wallace shared yesterday and he’s not saying the team should hang a sign that reads “no gays allowed” outside its locker room. There should be no elephant in the room. Just as Collins should be free to express himself and feel comfortable with who he is, other players should be able to voice their concerns in a constructive manner.
