NASCAR: "We want our athletes and our sport to look like America."

   NBA veteran Jason Collins has come out as first openly gay male athlete player still active in a major American professional sport. Other gay athletes, including former NBA center John Amaechi, have waited until retirement to divulge their sexuality publicly.

   Collins has received mostly positive reaction, from teammates, friends and even former President Bill Clinton.

   Collins' decision sparked discussion on Monday to whether participants in other sports - or the sanctioning bodies themselves - would react in a similar fashion is faced with the same issue.

   NASCAR was asked to provide a statement in that regard. Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR Vice President of Public Affairs and Multicultural Development, responded:

   "NASCAR is a recognized leader in diversity and inclusion initiatives in professional sports and home to the best drivers in the world. We want our athletes and our sport to look like America, and exclusion or intolerance of any kind - whether behind the wheel, on pit road or in the garage - is not a part of that formula."

   In addition, in a published interview last month, reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski said what matters in NASCAR is if someone can win.
 

    When asked if an openly gay driver would have more trouble earning acceptance from the fans or their fellow drivers, Keselowski said, "I can't speak for the fans, I can only speak for myself, but in this garage, if you can win, people will want to be a part of what you can do."