strummergirl,
I think that you're giving Stern and the NBA more credit than they are due. Yes, there are those in the NBA who have come out in favor of Collins, and I am sure that there are those in the NBA who aren't the biggest fans of this as well. The only difference is that Stern would most likely fine those who speak negatively of Collins. I do think that this has an impact on him being signed. Aside from him being an average player he's getting old (for the NBA at least.)
I agree with what Silver said. that Collins is the kind of player that could easily not be picked up by another team based upon his abilities alone. However, the question that no one would know the answer to would be, would teams take a pass on him because of his age and because he no longer is the player he once was? Or, would that just be a coverup because they don't want to hire a gay player?
Also, to equate what could potentially happen with Collins and the media to Tebow is crazy. Tebow is a textbook case of someone who's good in college but not good enough to make it in the NFL (who knows, he might make it in the CFL, who knows.) But, he was part of a media frenzy that ESPN started simply because he's white and loves him some Jesus. They then quickly turned on him as well.
I think that if he gets resigned, a media circus is created by the simple notion of some reporter asking a potential future teammate how they feel about playing with someone who is gay, and said teammate saying the wrong thing.
"If you try to shag my husband while I am still alive, I will shove the art of motorcycle maintenance up your rancid little Cu**. That's a good dear"
Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll