Nets sign Jason Collins to 10-day contract

Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent Jason Collins to a 10-day contract, and the 35-year-old center played against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Although he didn't score, Collins made history 1:32 into the second quarter when he checked into the game and became the first openly gay active player in one of North America's four major team sports. Collinsplayed 10:37, missed the only shot he took, grabbed a pair of rebounds and committed five fouls.

Collins revealed his sexuality nearly 10 months ago in an article he co-wrote for Sports Illustrated.

"The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," Nets general manager Billy King said in a statement. "We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract."

The 7-footer previously played for the New Jersey Nets from 2001-08 and was a member of two NBA Finals teams. The Stanford product has averaged 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 713 career games.