当前位置: Language Tips> VOA听力> Normal Speed News VOA常速
Gay NBA Player Breaks Athletic Barrier 2013-05-02 14:36
分享到
Get Flash Player
A National Basketball Association (NBA) player has become the first active player in a major professional U.S. team sport to reveal he is homosexual. In the cover story for this week's Sports Illustrated magazine, the acknowledgement by Washington Wizards center Jason Collins that he is gay has made headlines across the country and sparked wide reaction.
Jason Collins has spent 12 years in the NBA. But his playing career has never drawn as much public attention as his recent revelation. In an interview with ABC News, Collins said his decision to go public with his sexual orientation was difficult.
"You know, you go through anger, denial and that is all you know, but when you finally get to that point of acceptance, there's nothing more beautiful. And just allowing yourself to, you know, really be happy and be comfortable in your own skin," said Collins.
Collins said he first thought about revealing his sexuality last year, after years of what he calls "living a lie." But he said the recent Boston Marathon bombing finally convinced him to come out.
"It's kind of mind boggling that I never set out to be the first," he said. "You're sort of waiting around for someone else to raise their hand, and you know I'm ready to raise my hand, but you still look around like 'come on guys.'
Several male athletes in major U.S. pro sports have revealed they were gay after they retired, but Collins is the first to do so while planning to continue playing. Sports writer Christine Brennan says he should be a role model for other professional athletes.
"Jackie Robinson, what he was to integration, and what [tennis legend] Billy Jean King has been to women's rights, and now Jason Collins for gay rights, I think this is not just big sports news this is big news in our country," said Brennan.
Since his story appeared in Sports Illustrated, Collins has received an outpouring of support from across the nation, including from President Obama.
"I think a lot of young people out there who are gay or lesbian who are struggling with these issues to see a role model like that who is unafraid I think its a great thing," said Obama.
Reaction to Collins' announcement from NBA league officials and fellow players was also positive.
"He's always been a great guy. He's always been a great teammate," said NBA player Mike Conley.
"I think it's fantastic that he's taking such a positive and influential role as a spokesperson in many respects," said player Steve Nash.
"If he plays another year, that is going to be a defining moment in the NBA or in professional sports, because you are going to have an openly gay man in a male dominated locker room," said former NBA player Cedric Maxwell.
Collins, a 34-year-old, 2.13-meter-tall center, finished this season with the Washington Wizards and has played for five other NBA teams. He wants to continue playing and says he is not worried about what happens when he hopefully steps back on the court.
"From my teammates I'm expecting support, because that's what I would do for my teammates," she said.
Collins is now a free agent, and he is looking for a new contract to play in the NBA next season.
相关阅读
Multi, social media play huge role in solving Boston bombing
Floods challenge midwest farmers
Medical treatment for adults infected with HIV
Words and stories: Nicknames for New York City
(来源:VOA 编辑:Julie)
上一篇 : May Day Rallies Held Around the World
下一篇 : Ancient Festival Unites Egyptian Muslims, Christians
分享到
中国日报网英语点津版权说明:凡注明来源为“中国日报网英语点津:XXX(署名)”的原创作品,国产在线一区二区三区四区五区除与中国日报网签署英语点津内容授权协议的网站外,欧美深度肠交惨叫其他任何网站或单位未经允许不得非法盗链、转载和使用,欧美乱妇狂野欧美在线视频违者必究。如需使用,日本一道本高清一区二区请与010-84883561联系;凡本网注明“来源:XXX(非英语点津)”的作品,天天做天天爱夜夜爽女人爽均转载自其它媒体,亚洲婷婷五月激情综合APP目的在于传播更多信息,在线精品视频一区二区三四其他媒体如需转载,无码中文字幕av免费放dvd请与稿件来源方联系,大帝a∨无码视频在线播放如产生任何问题与本网无关;本网所发布的歌曲、电影片段,国产超碰人人做人人爱ⅴA版权归原作者所有,仅供学习与研究,如果侵权,请提供版权证明,以便尽快删除。
你可能还感兴趣的文章
《奇异博士》电影精讲(视频)
2017两会热词汇总
2017“两高”工作报告要点双语对照
《血战钢锯岭》电影精讲(视频)
中国日报网双语新闻 扫描左侧二维码
添加Chinadaily_Mobile
你想看的我们这儿都有!
中国首份双语手机报
学英语看资讯一个都不能少!