When Jason Collins pulls on his No. 98 Brooklyn Nets jersey, he's not just representing a basketball team. As the first openly gay player in major U.S. sports, he's also paying tribute to Matthew Shepard, the victim of one of the most infamous hate crimes in recent American history. Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student, was beaten to death in 1998. "I was very fortunate to speak with Matthew's mother, Judy," Collins told CNN's "Unguarded with Rachel Nichols." "She had some great advice I don't think she would mind me sharing. Typically I like to keep private conversations private but her message was: 'Let the haters hate. Just keep living your life and keep going out there and being yourself.' "
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Jason Collins is the first openly gay player in major U.S. sport history
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Collin's has played in Brooklyn Nets wins since signing a 10-day contract
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He is one of a group of high-profile athletes to have come out in recent times
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Robbie Rogers announced he was gay last year, Michael Sam recently came out
"We're sort of like a fraternity just trying to help each other, just trying to keep inspiring each other, whether it be @placeholder or Michael Sam, the list goes on and on.