From NBA.com reports
On the heels of veteran center Jason Collins coming out as gay in a story he wrote in Sports Illustrated, players around the league — both former and current — as well as those outside the NBA react to the news via Twitter:
NBA player Jason Collins: 1st pro athlete 2 publicly say he's gay. B4 u form opinion just know he's a GREAT human being Played 4 us @Celtics—
Kevin Eastman (@kevineastman) April 29, 2013
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
I look forward to meeting Jason Collins someday to tell him in person how much I admire what he has done. #Respect #Tolerance—
Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) April 29, 2013
I'm proud of Jason Collins. I believe that gender, race or sexual orientation should not be a factor in judging a person or their ability.—
Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) 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
S/O to my boy @jasoncollins34 stay strong and be blessed. Still going to whoop you on the golf course. Lol—
nick vanexel (@vanexel31) April 29, 2013
Proud of @jasoncollins34 for expressing his feelings! Great teammate, mentor and better person !! #liveyourlife !—
Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 29, 2013
I am proud of NBA player Jason Collins for coming out publicly as gay. I know him and his family to be of high character. #StillMyFriend—
olden polynice (@OldenPolynice1) 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
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
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
Way to stand tall @jasoncollins34. Nothing worst than having to hide who you are inside. Peace!!—
Clifford Robinson (@UncleCliffy30) 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
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
Great character from a great family! That's all that matters! @jasoncollins34 #respect—
Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) 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
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
Extremely impressed w/Jason Collins coming out, and doing it so eloquently. He has played on 6 NBA teams and (cont) tl.gd/n_1rk1ete—
Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 29, 2013
I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5—
Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013
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
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/magazine/news/… very proud of you @jasoncollins34—
jarron collins (@jarronctwin) April 29, 2013
