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An NBA player says, ‘I’m gay.’ How the public is reacting
In this week's issue of Sports Illustrated, veteran NBA center Jason Collins wrote that he is gay. "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black.
Jason Collins #98 of the Boston Celtics warms up in a game against the Golden State Warriors on December 29, 2012 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.NBAE/Getty Images
By
Clare Kim
In this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, veteran NBA center Jason Collins wrote that he is gay. “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” the 12-year NBA veteran wrote.
Collins, who played for the Washington Wizards and previously for the Boston Celtics this season, his 12th in the NBA, explained the timing of his decision to publicly come out. “I started thinking about this in 2011 during the NBA player lockout. I’m a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall. But the lockout wreaked havoc on my habits and forced me to confront who I really am and what I really want.”
President Obama called Jason Collins today to express his support and told him he was impressed by his courage. In an ABC News interview May of 2012, the president became the first sitting president to back marriage equality. “For me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that–I think same-sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama said.
According to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage and 42% oppose. In his article, Jason Collins wrote, “I’m glad I’m coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has shifted; public opinion has shifted. And yet we still have so much farther to go.”
But his announcement appeared to be generally well-received, with an outpouring of support from former teammates, professional athletes, friends and politicians. Here is the encouragement and support Collins received on Twitter throughout Monday.
I Truly Believe There Are Players InNBA Who Already Knew About Jason Collins (Besides His Twin Brother) And Others Who Haven’t Come Out. — Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) April 29, 2013
.@jasoncollins34 Thank you for raising your hand. Your courage proves why every American deserves our respect, no matter who they love. — Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) April 29, 2013
Enormous courage of #JasonCollins is inspiring, especially to #LGBT youth. He may be the 1st, but hopefully not the last. — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 29, 2013
Proud of NBA player @jasoncollins34 for his courage to come out as the first openly gay professional male athlete: goo.gl/HwsfU/ — Christine C. Quinn (@ChrisCQuinn) April 29, 2013
Jason can feel good in knowing that the NBA will support him. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2013
Really hope people will RESPECT Jason Collins for his decision to come out. Just glad he can now relax and not be afraid to be who he is. — tony Parker (@tonyparker) April 29, 2013
Played NBA +college w/ @jasoncollins34 -tremendous human being and PHENOMENAL teammate, leader, friend.Look forward 2his continued success! — Mark Madsen (@madsen_mark) April 29, 2013
Wow this is amazing all smiles.. So so happy Jason Collins came out & announce he was openly GAY ALL SUPPORT OVER HERE #ATHLETEALLY#LGBT — Kenneth Faried (@KennethFaried35) April 29, 2013
Really hope people will RESPECT Jason Collins for his decision to come out. Just glad he can now relax and not be afraid to be who he is. — Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) April 29, 2013
Jason’s sexuality doesn’t change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate. @jasoncollins34 — Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) April 29, 2013
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
The Boston Red Sox invited Collins to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park.
We salute you, @jasoncollins34 for your courage and leadership. Any time you want to throw out a first pitch at Fenway Park, let us know. — Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 29, 2013
Coach Drew said Jason Collins reached out to him by phone today. “I left him a message back letting him know how proud I was of him.”
