US basketball player Jason Collins has become the first National Basketball Association (NBA) gay athlete to actively compete in a major American professional sports team and league. The player’s return to the basketball courts comes 10 months after he came out as gay.

On the pre-game press conference the veteran basketball player said:

"Right now, I'm focused on trying to learn the plays, trying to learn the coverages, the game plan, assignments,"

"I don't have time to really think about history right now. I just have to focus on my job tonight." he added.

Collins signed a 10-day contract on Sunday (23 February) with the Brooklyn Nets and ended up playing 10 minutes in the New York City’s team 108 – 102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

A 10-day contract serves as a risk-free on-the-job try-out for a player attempting to make a team’s roster. At the end of the contract, the team has the option to renew the player for another 10-day contract or let him become a free agent.

The 35-year-old had remained unsigned since he came out in April 2013 during spring’s play-offs with the Washington Wizards.

"The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," the 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." he explained.

The basketball veteran has played 12 NBA seasons, including his first seven with the Nets, the club he now returns to.

"Jason told us that his goal was to earn another contract with an NBA team. Today, I want to commend him on achieving his goal. I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful environment," said the NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Last year, Collins’ announcement was met with widespread applause from all over the NBA community, as well as this year’s signing news.

There have been openly gay active athletes in other US sports leagues, but never in the men’s professional sports history. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has had star players such as Sheryl Swoopes and Brittney Griner come out in the past.

Reactions to the signing

RT to welcome @jasoncollins34 to Brooklyn! #Nets pic.twitter.com/D05R9td9cx

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 23, 2014

New Net @jasoncollins34 received a warm welcome in L.A. when he checked in early 2nd quarter http://t.co/Czqsimjpd7 pic.twitter.com/AbOaIqpuWR — NBA.com (@NBAcom) February 24, 2014

Brooklyn instrumental in the plight for equality! Jason Collins & Jackie Robinson. What are the chances NY Giants... http://t.co/tgmpCTt5cf — Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) February 24, 2014

Jackie Robinson April 15th 1947 integrated baseball, Jason Collins February 23 2014 open inclusivity in basketball #pride

— Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) February 24, 2014

Brooklyn's signing of openly gay @jasoncollins34 is a big step for both parties and the NBA: http://t.co/DRWbdJkj5J pic.twitter.com/YDiuctiuVF

— NBA.com (@NBAcom) February 24, 2014

The @BrooklynNets maybe signing my big bro @jasoncollins34 this week. #groundbreaking #LGBT

— Wade Davis II (@Wade_Davis28) February 23, 2014

What a day! Great win tonight @BrooklynNets over my hometown @Lakers. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins34) February 24, 2014