The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised NBA player Jason Collins for his public honoring of Matthew Shepard, who was tortured and murdered because he was gay. Collins, the first openly gay athlete in the four major American sports, wore his number 98 jersey during the February 27, 2014 basketball game in Denver between the Denver Nuggets and the Brooklyn Nets. Collins has worn a jersey with the number 98 because it represents 1998, the year that Matthew Shepard was murdered.

Scott L. Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, issued the following statement:

“ADL praises Jason Collins for using his public platform to promote a more respectful, inclusive society. Collins’ enduring commitment to honor Matthew Shepard sends a clear message that the memory of Shepard’s tragic murder must be used as a vehicle in the fight against bigotry and hate-motivated violence. We call upon all Coloradoans to take a lesson from Collins’ courageous leadership as we work together to make our community No Place for Hate®.”

Take a moment to watch ADL’s inspiring video, and “Imagine a World Without Hate”:  www.adl.org/imagine.