NBA donates proceeds from Jason Collins jerseys to gay rights groups

The NBA plans to donate proceeds from sales of Jason Collins jerseys to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

Collins became the league's first openly gay player when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday, and his No. 98 jersey has been the top seller on NBAStore.com. He chose the number in tribute to Shepard, who was killed in a gay hate crime in 1998.

The league says Friday the donations will total no less than $100,000, and it will also auction off Collins' autographed, game-worn jerseys to benefit the same organizations.

Collins says he is thrilled to help the organizations that "work tirelessly to ensure LGBT youth get the resources and assistance they need to be successful in life."

Collins met Shepard's parents on Thursday when the Nets played in Denver. Shepard was slain in Wyoming in 1998 because he was gay.

Collins, who signed a 10-day contract with the Nets on Sunday, said the chance to meet Dennis and Judy Shepard was "one of those cool treats in life."

He gave them a signed black and white jersey — although not a game-worn one.

"I did not want to give them a sweaty jersey, so this is a backup," he said with a laugh.

"It was delightful. We were happy to finally have the opportunity to meet," said Judy Shepard, who had spoken with Collins by phone last year after Collins announced he was gay and wore No. 98 because of her son.

Her husband said he hopes the day quickly comes when someone's sexuality is a non-issue.

"There should be no publicity over this. It should be just an ordinary everyday thing, like the military now," he said. "That's what we're hoping for, soon."

Al Jazeera and wire services