The announcement garnered an outpouring of support, as admirers praised Collins for being willing to come out as gay in a field in which homosexuality has been particularly stigmatized. Others didn’t think Collins’ announcement should be much of a story.

I find myself in both camps. I recognize the significance of Collins’ decision and admire the courage required to make it. But I also hope that his announcement will help pave the way for a time when it isn’t a major news story when a professional athlete reveals his sexual orientation, because it doesn’t really matter.