Why such a big deal?

[Jimbuna]

I honestly don't see why this story merits coverage on a major/reputable news site in this day and age.

I doubt he's the first and won't be the last so what gives?

US basketball player Jason Collins has come out as gay, the first active male athlete in a major American professional team sport to do so.
He declared his sexuality in an article for Sports Illustrated, announcing: "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."
Collins said he had struggled with his sexuality for years.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22341153