It didn't take long to discover how the sports world would react to the first openly gay athlete to come out. In the hours after Jason Collins' announcement in a Sports Illustrated article, professional athletes took to Twitter to show their support.
Collins' announcement makes him the first athlete to openly admit being gay while actively playing in a major sports league. He also intends to keep playing, according to the Associated Press.
"I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport," he wrote. "But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation."
His revelation is a milestone in the world of professional sports and could lead to many more players openly coming out.
The positive reaction across the NBA could also inspire more athletes to not closet their sexuality. NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker and Jason Kidd are just several players to show their support on social media.
Collins' announcement has also drawn support from outside the NBA players circle.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton called Collin's revelation an "important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community."
NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement, "Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."
Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld, whom Collins played under last season, also offered his support for Collins' decision to come out:
"We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly," Grunfeld said. "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."
Collins was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2001 as the 18th overall pick. The center played for six teams in his 12-year career and finished last season with the Washington Wizards.
He is currently a free agent.
