A huge step in pro sports happened today as NBAer Jason Collins came out as the first active gay athlete, according to Sports Illustrated. Several sports figures took to Twitter to show their support for 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
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters http://t.co/IugkyZLS9y
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) April 29, 2013
Happy for @jasoncollins34 – a thoughtful guy + beloved teammate, and now, a role model for so many struggling to come out. Good luck to him.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 29, 2013
https://twitter.com/SpikeLee/status/328898245654884353
Big kudos to @JasonCollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability. http://t.co/jvmVzBNJWW #salute
— Chris Kluwe, Irredeemable Pudgy Nobody (@ChrisWarcraft) April 29, 2013
By @jasoncollins34 opening doors & doing it his way on his time he has helped shape a more accepting America. May many more follow #courage
— Brendon Ayanbadejo (@brendon310) April 29, 2013
The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @Baron_Davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. … http://t.co/7t29rY3rU3
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) April 29, 2013
Great character from a great family! That's all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) April 29, 2013
http://t.co/CPAecC2Hk6 very proud of you @jasoncollins34
— jarron collins (@jarronctwin) April 29, 2013
. Props! @jasoncollins34
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) 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
@nba @Jason Collins, the NBA family has always been about acceptance and equality for all. Stand tall you have more supporters than haters.
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) April 29, 2013
Here’s a part of Sports Illustrated‘s quote from Collins:
I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston’s 2012 Gay Pride Parade. I’m seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn’t even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I’d been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, “Me, too.”