On Monday morning, longtime NBA center Jason Collins announced to the world that he is gay, the first active professional athlete in any of the four major sports to do so. For years, even decades, one major concern about an athlete coming out has been the possible reaction from his peers. Judging from the stature of Collins' supporters, he made the right decision in coming out.
Kobe Bryant:
Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2013
President Bill Clinton:
I have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea's classmate and friend at Stanford. Jason's announcement today is an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community. It is also the straightforward statement of a good man who wants no more than what so many of us seek: to be able to be who we are; to do our work; to build families and to contribute to our communities. For so many members of the LGBT community, these simple goals remain elusive. I hope that everyone, particularly Jason's colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned.
“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family," Stern said in a statement. "Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”
Former NBA player and fellow Los Angeles native Baron Davis:
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5 — Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013
Steve Nash:
The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @baron_davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. ... tmi.me/TGSBh — Steve Nash (@SteveNash) April 29, 2013
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova:
Well done Jason Collins- you are a brave man. And a big man at that:) 1981 was the year for me- 2013 is the year for you:)
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) April 29, 2013
Former NFL star Michael Strahan:
So proud of @jasoncollins34 for having the courage to stand up and out for who he is. I support, respect and salute you!!
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) April 29, 2013
Collins' twin brother Jarron, in Sports Illustrated:
"It's a big deal -- but it's also not a big deal. When the media crush is over, Jason will have the strength to deal with whatever challenges come from being openly gay ... Today, Jason has taken a huge weight off his shoulders. And I've never been more proud of him."
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