Fellow, and former pro-athletes are showing their support for Collins on Twitter:
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5
— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013
Jason Collins showed a lot of courage today and I respect him for taking a stand and choosing to live in his truth. #nbafamily
— Way of WADE (@DwyaneWade) April 29, 2013
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
Big kudos to @jasoncollins34. Living proof that your sexuality has nothing to do with your athletic ability. sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/… #salute
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) April 29, 2013
As a firm supporter of the LGBTT, of course I support & applaud @jasoncollins34 brave decision. Facing stigma head on, thank you.#BeWell
— Royce White (@Highway_30) April 29, 2013
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
Great character from a great family! That's all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) 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
Very proud of and happy for one of the coolest and most down to earth guys I know @jasoncollins34. #Fwhatpplthink
— Damien Wilkins (@dwilkins3000) April 29, 2013
@jasoncollins34 Though you went to Stanford and I'm a Cal guy, this is bigger than any rivalry. I got your back Jason!
— Kevin Johnson (@KJ_MayorJohnson) 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
Glad this discussion is starting to get its due...Wizards' Jason Collins Says He Is Gay (via ble.ac/teamstream) sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/…
— Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) April 29, 2013
Good for you @jasoncollins34. Proud to call you my friend. Good luck with everything!
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) April 29, 2013
Congratulations to Jason - society couldn't hope for a more eloquent & positive role model: buff.ly/10OvOMd
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) April 29, 2013
NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement:
David Stern, in statement on Jason Collins, says,"We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.”
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) April 29, 2013
Stern: "As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001..."
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) April 29, 2013
Stern (cont.): "... and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family."
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) April 29, 2013
And the Wizard's statement, via @soshnick:
“We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.”
Chelsea Clinton, who went to Stanford with Collins also showed her support:
Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA. bit.ly/ZLei9F
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 29, 2013
And Bill Clinton also showed his support, releasing the following statement:
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.