Quote:
Originally Posted by worth
The climate in Canada vs. the US is very different. I don't think most people think it's a big deal here, but I think this is a huge deal in the States. I think this will be a problem for him next year unfortunately.
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There is probably some truth to that. I am fairly certain that Angela James is the first openly gay inductee into a major sports hall of fame, yet that fact was completely lost under the fact that she and Granato were the first two women inducted into the HHOF. Her gender was considered the far greater story than her orientation.
However, if a player on one of the seven NHL teams came out, it would be a Very Big Deal. Good for Collins for being the first though. Given the place he is at in his career, he might be in the best position to take that step. Little to lose, lots to gain, and the ability to make a positive, lasting impact.