Presidential praise for gay basketball star
Source: Agencies |
May 1, 2013, Wednesday
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NBA veteran Jason Collins' groundbreaking pronouncement - "I'm gay" - has reverberated through Washington, generating accolades from lawmakers and a supportive phone call from US President Barack Obama.
Hours after Collins disclosed his sexuality in an online article on Monday, Obama expressed his support, telling Collins he was impressed by his courage, the White House said.
Collins, 34, is the first active player in one of four major North American professional sports leagues to come out as gay. Now a free agent, he has played for six teams in 12 seasons, including this past season with the Washington Wizards.
Collins' declaration on Sports Illustrated's website garnered particular attention from Democrats, many of whom have recently announced their support for gay marriage despite opposing it in the past. Obama announced his support last year during his re-election campaign.
Organizing for Action, a grassroots group run by Obama loyalists that grew out of his 2012 re-election campaign, offered its support for Collins as well, telling the player on Twitter that the group's supporters "stand with you today."
First lady Michelle Obama tweeted: "So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We've got your back!"
Former President Bill Clinton also voiced encouragement, releasing a statement that asks fans, NBA colleagues and the media to support and respect him. Clinton said he had known Collins since he attended Stanford University with his daughter Chelsea.
Clinton said Collins' announcement was an "important moment" for professional sports and the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Collins is "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," Clinton said.
Chelsea Clinton also tweeted her support, saying she was proud of her friend for having the strength and courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.
Hours after Collins disclosed his sexuality in an online article on Monday, Obama expressed his support, telling Collins he was impressed by his courage, the White House said.
Collins, 34, is the first active player in one of four major North American professional sports leagues to come out as gay. Now a free agent, he has played for six teams in 12 seasons, including this past season with the Washington Wizards.
Collins' declaration on Sports Illustrated's website garnered particular attention from Democrats, many of whom have recently announced their support for gay marriage despite opposing it in the past. Obama announced his support last year during his re-election campaign.
Organizing for Action, a grassroots group run by Obama loyalists that grew out of his 2012 re-election campaign, offered its support for Collins as well, telling the player on Twitter that the group's supporters "stand with you today."
First lady Michelle Obama tweeted: "So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We've got your back!"
Former President Bill Clinton also voiced encouragement, releasing a statement that asks fans, NBA colleagues and the media to support and respect him. Clinton said he had known Collins since he attended Stanford University with his daughter Chelsea.
Clinton said Collins' announcement was an "important moment" for professional sports and the history of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Collins is "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," Clinton said.
Chelsea Clinton also tweeted her support, saying she was proud of her friend for having the strength and courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.
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