Jason Collins to retire from NBA

— -- NEW YORK -- Jason Collins, who became the first openly gay athlete in North America's four recognized major team sports when he played for the NBA's Brooklyn Nets last season, announced Wednesday his retirement from the league.

The 35-year-old Collins made the announcement in a first-person story for Sports Illustrated. It's the same forum he used in April 2013 to publicly reveal his sexuality.

Collins also penned a story for ThePlayersTribune.com announcing his decision.

He joined the Nets in February and played 22 games for the team but was not on the roster this season.

"It feels wonderful to have been part of these milestones for sports and for gay rights, and to have been embraced by the public, the coaches, the players, the league and history," Collins wrote in Sports Illustrated.

Collins started his career with the New Jersey Nets in 2001 and rejoined the franchise in Brooklyn. Collins made the official announcement at the Barclays Center on Wednesday night before the Nets' game with the Milwaukee Bucks.

He elected to officially announce his retirement Wednesday because he was in New York City for a Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative event, and it was Bucks head coach Jason Kidd's first game back in Brooklyn.

"It just made perfect sense," he said. "The past 18-19 months have been incredible. I've grown so much as a human being."

Collins plans to continue to be an advocate for LGBT organizations, foundations and other programs. He also wants to stay involved in basketball in some capacity as well.

Information from the ESPNNewYork.com contributor Mike Mazzeo and the Associated Press was used in this report.