MANILA, Philippines – Veteran NBA player Jason Collins has signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, making him the first openly gay athlete on a team roster in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues. Collins joined the Nets before their Sunday game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 35-year-old is not a well-known sports star, but gained widespread praise for his groundbreaking personal statement 10 months ago. Collins, who was nearing the end of his career, was not subsequently signed for the 2013-2014 season. -- Mornings @ ANC, February 24, 2014.