ASS News » becoming the first openly gay athlete to play

LOS ANGELES -- Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets says he has received a text message from Billie Jean King and other messages of support since becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the United States four major professional leagues. Collins says the text from the former tennis great was "very meaningful and very much appreciated." Collins spoke before the Nets practised at UCLA on Tuesday. They resume their road trip with a game at Portland on Wednesday night. Collins signed a 10-day contract on Sunday and played 10 scoreless minutes in a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. He revealed at the end of last season that he is gay, but was a free agent and had remained unsigned until the Nets needed another big man. Paul Pogba Jersey . Horford is out 3-to-4 months with a torn pectoral muscle for the Hawks, who have won two straight and five of six games. Atlanta improved to 2-0 on the residency with Saturdays 93-91 triumph over Minnesota, as Ivan Johnson scored his teams final four points, including the game-winning free throw with 4. Jesse Lingard Jersey . "We were left with the overall impression that the team wasnt trending toward being able to compete for a Stanley Cup," Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said in a news conference at the clubs arena. "And that was just a clear signal and why it was time to make those changes. http://www.jerseymanchesterunitedsoccer.com/womens-juan-mata-manchester-united-jersey/ .C. - Goodyear has warned teams that increased speeds at Charlotte Motor Speedway will put a heavy emphasis on the right front tires in Saturday nights race a€” a potentially key development for drivers trying to advance in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. Eric Bailly Jersey . - Titans quarterback Jake Locker will miss the rest of the season with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, leaving Tennessee trying to rally with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Sergio Romero Jersey . There are some early surprises in the race for the Hart Trophy, but two of the contenders are the leagues biggest stars over the past decade. There are many more players in contention for the awards than just the three that Ive named, and a good or bad week can easily alter the landscape, but through the first 20 or so games of the NHL season, this is how the awards races look to me.GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have released running back Orwin Smith. Smith signed with Green Bays practice squad in Novembber.dddddddddddd The 23-year-old Smith played college ball at Georgia Tech. The Packers announced the move on Monday. ' ' '