Jason Collins meets Matthew Shepard’s family after game – presents them with #98 jersey
The parents of slain Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard met with Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay athlete Thursday night following Brooklyn’s 112-89 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Collins wears a number ’98′ jersey in a tribute to Matthew, who was killed in 1998.
Before meeting Matthew’s family, Collins told reporters: “I was in college at the time when [Matthew] was killed. Of course it’s a tragedy what happened and I just hope it inspires others to come forward. It’s definitely going to be special meeting them after the game (Thursday) and I’m looking forward to it.”
After the meeting, Matthew’s mom Judi said: “He’s very kind, smart, humble. It was delightful. We were happy to finally have the opportunity to meet.’
Later Collins tweeted: ‘I’m so fortunate to have met Matthew Shepard’s parents and brother tonight after @BrooklynNets win tonight in Denver’
The #98 Collins jerseys are currently the top-selling item in the Popular NBA Gear category on NBA.com. Not bad for a guy working under a 10-day contract!
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
bandanajack says:
will someone explain to me what a ten day contract is. it can’t just be a contract for ten consecutive days, can it?
Charlie says:
I’ve never heard of a ten day contract either. Could it be a ten game contract? Winning that game in Denver is a good start! It was very kind of Collins to honor Matthew Shepards memory.