News that veteran NBA center Jason Collins had become the first active player in a major American sporting league to come out of the closet generated a massive response over Twitter on Monday from a number of individuals in the athletic community. Below, TPM’s round-up of responses from the world of sports.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant said he’s “proud” of Collins:
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
Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis echoed Bryant’s sentiment:
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5
— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013
Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash retweeted Davis, adding, “The time has come”:
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
Former NBA player John Amaechi, who came out of the closet following his retirement from the league, said “society couldn’t hope for a more eloquent & positive role model” than Collins:
Congratulations to Jason – society couldn’t hope for a more eloquent & positive role model: buff.ly/10OvOMd
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) April 29, 2013
Former New York Giants defensive end and Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan saluted Collins for “having the courage to stand up and out for who he is”:
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
Tennis great Martina Navratilova, who is also openly gay, called Collins “a brave man”:
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
Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried, one of the league’s top rebounders and already an outspoken advocate for gay rights, said he was “all smiles”:
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
NBA commissioner David Stern issued his statement in a series of tweets on the league’s official feed:
“As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 (2/4)
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2013
and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout (3/4)
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2013
his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.” #NBAFamily (4/4)
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2013
The Washington Wizards, Collins’ latest team, posted a link to its official statement on Twitter:
#Wizards Statement “We are extremely proud of Jason & support his decision to live his life proudly and openly.” More nba.com/wizards/wizard…
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 29, 2013
Bradley Beal, a teammate of Collins on the Wizards and one of the best rookies in the NBA this season, called Collins a great “mentor and better person”:
Proud of @jasoncollins34 for expressing his feelings! Great teammate, mentor and better person !! #liveyourlife !
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 29, 2013
Utah Jazz point guard Earl Watson hailed Collins’ “great character” and “great family”:
Great character from a great family! That’s all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) April 29, 2013
Tennis champion Billie Jean King, one of the first marquee female athletes to come out of the closet, said she was “thrilled” by the announcement:
I am thrilled @jasoncollins34 was able to come out on his own terms and, as he put it, is ready to continue (cont) tl.gd/n_1rk1h3b
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJKing) April 29, 2013
New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd, who played alongside Collins for the New Jersey Nets, said the announcement “doesn’t change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate”:
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
Minnesota Timberwolves star power forward Kevin Love expressed happiness for Collins:
Happy for @jasoncollins34 in his decision. A great teammate and friend. Thanks for helping me through my rookie season!! #classact #courage
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) April 29, 2013
This post has been updated.
