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by David Cohen
NBA player Jason Collins announced today that he's gay in a story for Sports Illustrated, By doing so,Jason became the first professional male basketball player to come out. He is the first player in a major American team sport to announce that he is gay.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation," Collins wrote. "I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
“Jason Collins’ courage should be commended” said Andre Banks Executive Director and Co-founder of All Out. “Our members clearly agree. Hundreds of people signed a note thanking Jason Collins for breaking his silence within minutes of his announcement. We hope more professional athletes come out. Not only will they have an active fan base ready to support their careers, but their position as a positive role model will save lives and reduce bullying. Collins may not realize this yet, but he is a hero.”
President Obama called Collins today and told him that he was impressed by his courage, according to a White House official who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Former President Bill Clinton, and his daughter Chelsea who attended Stanford with Collins, both applauded Collins' courage in announcing that he is gay..
“All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I'm not walking it alone" wrote Jason Collins on Twitter
Jason straight forward statement is an important moment in the history of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, and a special moment for any professional in American sport. All Collins wants is to be himself and to be honest. He want to be who he is, and to continue do his work and contribute to the game he loves with dignity, and stand tall and pride in front of all people.
We hope that everyone around Jason especially his colleagues in the NBA, his fans will continue their support, and respect him for what he earn through the years.
We should all wish the 34-year-old man Jason, continued success for the courage he showed today, We should learn from this man, From the man who is a free agent, from the man who ended last season with the Washington Wizards after being traded by the Boston Celtics, We should learned how to be comfortable in our own skin and to be proud for who we are.
To see the live signature totals from All Out’s thank you note: http://www.allout.org/thank-you-jason
NBA player Jason Collins announced today that he's gay in a story for Sports Illustrated, By doing so,Jason became the first professional male basketball player to come out. He is the first player in a major American team sport to announce that he is gay.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation," Collins wrote. "I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."
“Jason Collins’ courage should be commended” said Andre Banks Executive Director and Co-founder of All Out. “Our members clearly agree. Hundreds of people signed a note thanking Jason Collins for breaking his silence within minutes of his announcement. We hope more professional athletes come out. Not only will they have an active fan base ready to support their careers, but their position as a positive role model will save lives and reduce bullying. Collins may not realize this yet, but he is a hero.”
President Obama called Collins today and told him that he was impressed by his courage, according to a White House official who was not authorized to discuss the private conversation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Former President Bill Clinton, and his daughter Chelsea who attended Stanford with Collins, both applauded Collins' courage in announcing that he is gay..
“All the support I have received today is truly inspirational. I knew that I was choosing the road less traveled but I'm not walking it alone" wrote Jason Collins on Twitter
Jason straight forward statement is an important moment in the history of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, and a special moment for any professional in American sport. All Collins wants is to be himself and to be honest. He want to be who he is, and to continue do his work and contribute to the game he loves with dignity, and stand tall and pride in front of all people.
We hope that everyone around Jason especially his colleagues in the NBA, his fans will continue their support, and respect him for what he earn through the years.
We should all wish the 34-year-old man Jason, continued success for the courage he showed today, We should learn from this man, From the man who is a free agent, from the man who ended last season with the Washington Wizards after being traded by the Boston Celtics, We should learned how to be comfortable in our own skin and to be proud for who we are.
To see the live signature totals from All Out’s thank you note: http://www.allout.org/thank-you-jason